Dr. Kenda Rigdon: The Gut's Microbial Ecosystem, Yeast, Melanin, Birth, & Development

My guest today is Dr. Kenda Rigdon. Dr. Rigdon is a microbiologist with a PhD in microbiology and virology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Drawing from her expertise, she explores how the gut’s microbial ecosystem—comprising bacteria, yeast like Candida and Malassezia, and other microbes—interacts with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence Autism. Dr. Rigdon highlights the critical role of the birthing process, particularly how vaginal delivery seeds a newborn’s gut with beneficial microbes like lactobacillus, setting the stage for healthy development in the first three years. She also delves into how yeast overgrowth, nutrient competition (e.g., for tryptophan), and environmental factors like manganese and glyphosate exposure can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, potentially exacerbating autism-related symptoms.

Dr. Rigdon shares insights into the surprising links between melanin, Neanderthal DNA, and Autism. She discusses how specific genetic mutations, such as MTHFR and PAI1, can intersect with Autism. Additionally, she connects melanin production—potentially influenced by gut yeast like Malassezia—to neurological health, drawing parallels with conditions like Parkinson’s. By viewing the gut as a dynamic ecosystem shaped by birth, diet, and early development, this episode offers a fresh perspective on Autism’s microbial roots and practical implications for health, urging listeners to reconsider modern birthing practices and dietary choices in fostering a balanced gut microbiome.

Dr. Rigdon X https://x.com/KendaRigdon

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0:00 Dr. Kenda Rigdon

1:14 Journey into Microbiology

4:08 The Gut's Ecosystem

8:21 Genetics, Autism, & The Microbial Connection

13:08 MTHFR & PAI1: Homocysteine, Methionine, Folate

20:21 The Role of Yeast in Health & Disease; Serotonin, Candida

26:39 The Fight for Tryptophan

31:14 Impact of Birthing Method on Gut Health (!)

33:13 Modern versus Evolutionary Births, Breastfeeding; Oxygen, Acidity, PH

37:15 Melanin, Cell Protection, Neanderthal DNA, Autism

40:46 Neuromelanin; Biological Energy, Melanocytes

43:20 Neanderthal's & Modern Disease & Environments

47:23 Microbes in the Brain

53:21 Manganese & Gut Health

58:22 Gut-Brain Connection & Microbial Balance

01:03:19 Early Gut Health & Development; Modern Insults

01:07:21 Future Direction in Gut Health & Kenda's Passion & Love

X: https://x.com/rps47586

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA

email: [e-mail]