[Applause] Through a raise of hands, who has ever felt a gut instinct. And who has ever listened to it. Wow, almost all of you.This is most likely due to your gut microbiome. And the journey through the gut is what I want to take you on today. But first, what actually is your gut microbiome.Well, also known as your gut microbiota, it contains over 100 trillion microorganisms. That's more microbes in your gut than stars in the galaxy. This consists of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and darka, which are essential ...

Problem Definition & Impact - Overuse of the term "depression" trivializes the condition, hindering innovation in treatments and diagnostics [3] - Depression is a major public health crisis, affecting over 300 million people globally as of 2025 [4] - Depression is the leading cause of disability, exceeding that caused by cancers, diabetes, heart disease, and strokes combined [5] - Depression drains up to $925 billion from the global economy annually due to lost productivity [6] - Depression is a leading cause of suicide, resulting in over 800,000 deaths per year, approximately one life lost every 40 seconds [6] Current Treatment Limitations - Current diagnostic methods for depression rely on subjective assessments, leading to inaccuracies of 30-50% [10] - Existing treatments primarily address the effects of depression rather than the root cause [11][12] - A recent meta-analysis study finds that serotonin had little to no impact on the development of depression [11] Research & Potential Solutions - Research indicates that depression is linked to changes in gene expression levels, affecting how brain cells grow, communicate, and respond to stress [13][15] - The research identified a potential genetic biomarker for depression and used machine learning to diagnose depression based on gene expression levels with 93% accuracy [16][17] - The research created the chemical composition of a drug against depression using a molecular docking software, proving effective at addressing the problem on a molecular level [17][18]

Personal Development Framework - The speaker introduces a framework for personal success, viewing each individual as a startup needing a framework for life [3][4] - The framework emphasizes problem-solving and finding one's own path, rather than blindly following others' expectations [5] - The speaker shares a personal anecdote about an interview where he was asked about his purpose in life, highlighting the importance of self-reflection [6][7][8][9][10] - The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and practicing self-leadership as guiding principles [14][15] Happiness and Well-being - The speaker discusses the importance of inner happiness and introduces the concept of four happiness chemicals: dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin, and serotonin [21][22][23] - Serotonin, generated through exercise, sunlight, gratitude, giving, positive thinking, and avoiding stress, is highlighted as a key to inner happiness [23][24] - The speaker introduces the PORT concept (Possessions, Obligations, Relationships, Transactions) as a way to minimize stress and increase happiness [26][27][28][29][30] - The speaker advises minimizing possessions, obligations, and transactional work, and focusing on meaningful relationships to increase overall happiness [27][28][29][30] Conclusion - The speaker concludes by reiterating the importance of purpose, self-leadership, and happiness in leading a fulfilling life [31]

Smiling and Well-being - Smiling, even fake smiling, can trick the brain into recovering from stress faster [9][10] - Smiling at someone can give them a hit of dopamine, making them feel good [10] - Smiling makes individuals more approachable and is contagious [11] - Smiling can lead to the production of dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, the four happy hormones [12] - Smiling makes individuals 40% more attractive [21] - Smiling has overall long-term effects on well-being and makes individuals more approachable [22] Brain Rewiring and Affirmations - Individuals can rewire their brain in real time by using affirmations [16] - Repeating affirmations can help overcome resistance and change negative thought patterns [17][18] Muscle Memory and Facial Expressions - Facial expressions become etched into the face over time, and individuals can train their face muscles [14][15]

Gut-Brain Axis & Mental Health - The gut-brain axis enables direct influence from the gut on the brain, affecting physical and emotional states [3] - Gut bacteria produce approximately 90% of the body's serotonin, a key hormone for happiness and emotional stability [4] - Gut bacteria imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline [5] Impact of Diet & Lifestyle - Poor diet, stress, and antibiotics can cause gut bacteria imbalance [4] - Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are excellent sources of probiotics, restoring gut balance and supporting mental health [6] - Exercise encourages beneficial bacteria growth and increases intestinal mobility, benefiting both body and mind [6][7] - Diets high in sugar and processed foods can lead to gut bacteria imbalance [8][9] - Stress management and adequate sleep are vital for maintaining healthy gut bacteria and overall well-being [7][8] Probiotics & Prebiotics - Prebiotics, found in foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus, feed beneficial gut bacteria [5][6] - Probiotic supplements may enhance mood and lessen anxiety, but using the correct strains is crucial [10]