46. How Processed Oils Harm Digestion (and What Ayurveda Says to Do Instead)

Written By Bree Luck

Kate O’Donnell welcomes Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, a pioneer in Ayurveda and modern health integration. Together, they explore some of the most confusing and most-asked questions in wellness today: Which cooking oils are truly healthy? How do we eat seasonally in a modern world? And how can breathwork provide nourishment as powerful as food itself?

Dr. John shares his personal journey from competitive triathlete to living in India, studying Ayurveda, and eventually creating LifeSpa.com, one of the largest online Ayurvedic resources. He explains why processed oils are so damaging to digestion, how seasonal diets build resilience and metabolic flexibility, and why breathing through the nose can change everything from anxiety to immunity.

This episode is a masterclass in bringing ancient wisdom and modern science together.

What You’ll Learn in This Conversation

  • The difference between saturated and polyunsaturated fats

  • Why processed seed oils harm digestion and the liver

  • The role of bile, stomach acid, and enzymes in overall health

  • How seasonal eating builds metabolic flexibility

  • Why stress is at the root of modern metabolic syndrome

  • The connection between breathwork, oxygen efficiency, and longevity

  • How protein needs change as we age

  • The deeper wisdom of Ayurveda for the “Vata years” of life

About Dr. John Douillard

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally recognized leader in Ayurveda, natural health, and nutrition. With over 40 years of experience, he has helped more than 100,000 patients as the founder and director of LifeSpa. A former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Nets NBA team, Dr. John is also a bestselling author of seven books, including Eat Wheat and The 3-Season Diet. His podcast, Ayurveda Meets Modern Science, continues his mission of bridging ancient wisdom with modern research.

Links & Resources

If you loved this conversation, be sure to subscribe to Everyday Ayurveda with Kate and share this episode with a friend who’s confused about oils or curious about seasonal eating. Leave us a review to help more people discover how Ayurveda can bring balance and vitality to everyday life.

Health Disclaimer:

The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine. 

Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org
Summer Bundle:  https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/bundles/SummerBundle

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45. Ancient Ayurvedic Secrets for Strong, Healthy, and Lustrous Hair