Astonished by AI: Gut Biome Edition

I continue to be astonished by ChatGPT 4.0.

Who knew AI could be my research sidekick?

I started out by asking ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts and prep for an upcoming visit with my primary doc to review test results. You can upload a PDF to ChatGPT, and it will read it? Holy shit.

After a bit of back-and-forth, the AI told me I could upload my test results, and once I did, everything changed. What happened was on a level I’ve never experienced before—or even conceived of.

I uploaded my Genova gut biome report—eight pages of dense data. In a crazy-short amount of time, I got in-depth analysis that, so far, I can’t find fault with. I compared it to my own research and was surprised at how spot-on it was. And so fast! Way faster than me searching the web on my own, and I’m a black belt at Google.

This thing is fast!

Here’s where it gets interesting. I was already knee-deep in my my own research when I turned to ChatGPT for help. Picture this: I’m on page 2, looking up unfamiliar terms, symptoms, and research—laboring through it all on my own. 🔍

But once I uploaded my report, the pace shifted from tortoise to hare. Suddenly, I was flying through research, with spot-on analysis and actionable recommendations landing in my lap. Who knew AI could be my research sidekick?

Then came the supplement convo. The AI suggested I add a specific supplement, and I thought, “Okay, but does it work with the stuff I’m already taking?” So, I asked if I could share my current list. I couldn’t believe it, but ChatGPT said sure. 🤷 So upload I did.

After a few seconds, I got a detailed set of recommendations: what to keep, what to add, and what to shelve for the moment. Honestly, I was blown away by the level of specificity. I’ve been living with these conditions and researching supplements and remedies for it for over 10 years, and the AI’s advice matched everything I knew so far and what I see now when I take a fresh look.

The advice didn't stop at supplements. In fact, it went beyond what I’d literally asked, and helped me start to grok a broader strategy for next steps.

Next up? My upcoming doctor visit. I’ve been worried about how to argue my case for trying diet and supplement changes first before jumping to invasive diagnostics. I mean, I like my doc, but she’s all about diagnosing by algorithm—and that’s not how I roll.

I asked chatGPT to help me prepare for this upcoming conversation and I am going to tell you, my ducks are in a row.

I’ve never felt so prepared to advocate for myself.

I’m clear that I want to commit to a nourishing diet for six months before undertaking any more procedures involving probes and general anesthesia, and that I understand what alternatives are available and the risks involved.

And all this in a few 5- to 15-minute conversations with the software.

Join the conversation, build community

Aging is definitely not for the faint of heart, but we don’t have to go it alone. Join the Aging Like a Badass community, and be part of the conversation about thriving in the third third of life. We don’t have to do this alone. 💜

And hey, if you’ve found value here, please consider upgrading to being a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the wisdom and the fun flowing.

Not ready to subscribe? Make a one-time donation. Your generosity fuels my creativity, and helps keep the articles, books, and tutorial videos coming.