Dr. Oscar Coetzee has over 25 years of experience in psychology and nutrition and is currently serving as the VP of Clinical Education and Practitioner Support at Designs for Health.
His academic credentials include faculty positions at Georgetown Medical School, Notre Dame University, and the University of Bridgeport.
Born and raised in South Africa, Dr. Oscar's educational background includes bachelor's degrees in criminology and psychology, master's degrees in Psychology and Human Nutrition, a PhD in Holistic Nutrition, and a Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition. He is recognized as a pioneer in nutritional science, focusing on metabolic syndrome, intestinal permeability, type 2 diabetes, sports performance, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
In this episode, Tara sits down with Dr. Oscar Coetzee of Designs for Health to explore how gut health, genetics, and nutrition intersect with anxiety, depression, and overall mental wellness. They unpack keystone gut microbes, LPS and leaky gut, why whole‑food diets and polyphenols matter, and how functional labs like stool and organic acid tests can guide targeted support. Dr. Coetzee also explains the limits of DNA‑only protocols, the concept of "psychoneutrogenomics," and the expanding lab and education resources available for therapists, health coaches, and other practitioners.
RESOURCES:
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro & Who Is Dr. Oscar Coetzee?
03:40 – Sponsor Segment: Peluva Minimalist Shoes
07:10 – From Psychiatry to Nutrition & "Psychoneutrogenomics"
14:20 – Gut Microbiome Basics and Mental Health Connection
21:30 – Keystone Anaerobes: Akkermansia, Roseburia & Friends
27:30 – LPS, Leaky Gut, Anxiety and Depression
33:40 – Genetics, Neurotransmitters and Why DNA Isn't Destiny
42:30 – Functional Testing Roadmap for Mood Issues
49:10 – Tools & Labs for Practitioners at Designs for Health
52:10 – Final Takeaways for Supporting Mental Health via the Gut
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