Ella Davar RD, Founder of the Gut-Brain Method and President of the Global Longevity Association, is a leading expert in longevity nutrition and gut health education. She leads initiatives like the Longevity Dinner events, offering nutrient-dense menus and promoting community education while supporting local food banks and World Central Kitchen. Ella also created the Gut-Brain Method, a certification course combining medical nutrition therapy, longevity science, and mindfulness to address disease root causes and enhance metabolic and mental health.
With a Medical Nutrition Therapy background from NYU and experience in Mount Sinai’s research, Ella has over a decade of clinical practice and authored six books, including *You-tarian Diet™* and *Cooking for High-Performers*. She specializes in gut microbiome interventions to reverse disease and optimize health for longevity.
Ella’s evidence-based protocols focus on sustainable metabolic health. She’s worked with high-profile clients, healthcare professionals, and organizations, inspiring a holistic, longevity-focused approach. She has appeared as an expert on in over 100+ segments such as NBC, FOX News, CBS, and more.
Early Beginnings
My journey into nutrition and wellness was deeply personal. Before becoming a dietitian, I was a young immigrant woman in NYC, working on Wall Street, struggling with weight issues and skin problems. I spent years seeking answers from different doctors, following their advice, and trying every diet imaginable—vegan, raw, vegetarian, pescatarian, macrobiotic, Ayurvedic—believing that someone out there had the perfect solution. Yet, I struggled to figure it out.
Everything changed when I met a dietitian who transformed my approach to food. Instead of following generic advice, she created a personalized nutrition plan based on my blood work. That was the turning point—I finally understood which foods truly nourished my body and which ones didn’t.
By eliminating foods that didn’t love me back—like cow’s dairy, gluten, alcohol, and sugar—and embracing an abundance of foods that fueled my body and mind, I regained balance, clarity, and health. That experience shaped my mission: to help others find their own bio-individual approach to food, just as I did.
After becoming a licensed dietitian, I faced a new challenge—eczema. Despite my training, I struggled to find lasting relief until I discovered that gut health was the key to healing my skin. Through careful self-assessment, I diagnosed myself with dysbiosis—an imbalance where harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones—along with parasitic infections that were compromising my immune system.
“Instead of relying on conventional treatments that only masked symptoms, I turned to functional nutrition and targeted interventions. Using a combination of herbs, essential oils like black walnut and clove bud, and strategic nutrition, I rebuilt my microbiome, reduced inflammation, and transformed my health from the inside out.”
That experience ignited my passion for gut health and longevity. I realized that true wellness isn’t about following trends—it’s about understanding your body’s unique needs and supporting it with science-backed, bio-individual strategies.
Today, I continue to push the boundaries of research and innovation, integrating the latest in nutrition science, microbiome research, and longevity protocols to help others optimize their health and performance—not just to feel better, but to thrive.
Evolving and Growing Industry
Gut health is the foundation of overall well-being. The gut isn’t just where digestion happens—it’s our second brain, producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that regulate mood, focus, and energy. It’s also where 70% of our immune system resides. When the gut is imbalanced, we see issues like inflammation, weight gain, anxiety, and chronic disease. Understanding and supporting gut health means taking control of your metabolism, mental resilience, and long-term health.
Recent research has also revealed a concerning rise in early-onset gastrointestinal cancers, particularly in individuals under 50. Studies suggest that diets high in processed meats and alcohol, low in fiber, and excessive in sugar may alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of disease. Environmental toxins, microplastics, and circadian rhythm disruptions are also being studied as contributors to gut dysfunction and chronic illness.
This emerging evidence highlights why gut health is no longer just about digestion—it’s a critical factor in disease prevention and longevity.
That’s why I created the Gut-Brain Method to teach my clients and students how to heal yourself and your family and help others. It is a program that is now has become a certification course for those looking to become gut health experts.
Taking proactive steps to nourish and balance the gut is one of the most powerful ways to optimize overall health and prevent the modern epidemics of chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and even cancer.
Personal Rituals
With a global schedule balancing clients, events, and media, I rely on structured rituals to stay energized. One of my favorite daily rituals is starting my morning with a future vision meditation, warm water, and a yoga stretching flow. I also prioritize daily movement, whether it’s yoga, walking meditation in nature or by the ocean at sunset, or strength training, to regulate stress and enhance mental clarity.
I love sunrises and sunsets—they help me feel connected and provide a moment to reflect and find inner wisdom. As a global leader and wellness entrepreneur, the constant flow of information can be overwhelming. To stay creative, these rituals have become non-negotiable, especially after attending Joe Dispenza’s meditation retreat in 2022, where I meditated for a week.
In this interview, Ella discusses her journey, the development of her unique approach to health, and strategies to shape oneself into a leader.
Continue reading below to explore the full interview with Ella Davar.
What do you consider to be the key milestones and moments of impact in your career that have shaped you into a leader in the wellness industry?
Several milestones have shaped my career:
- Transitioning from Wall Street to wellness, earning my dietitian credentials at NYU, and specializing in integrative nutrition.
- Helping over 2,000 clients in nutrition counseling and gut health, leading to the creation of my Gut-Brain Method, merging microbiome science with mindfulness for holistic health.
- Overcoming my fear of public speaking to share my expertise on global platforms like NBC, FOX News, TEDx, MENSA, WEF Davos, the Milken Institute, and Longevity Summits.
- Turning client guidance into published books, including You-tarian Diet™ and Cooking for High-Performers, empowering thousands to personalize their nutrition.
- Hosting Longevity Dinners worldwide, bringing thought leaders together for nutrient-dense meals and inspiring conversations on health, longevity, and a better future.
Overcoming my fear of public speaking – I made it my mission to share my expertise with a wider audience through global platforms, including NBC, FOX News, TEDx, MENSA, WEF Davos, the Milken Institute, and Longevity Summits.
Turning client guidance into published books – After years of providing practical advice, I com
Every journey has its challenges. What were some of the most significant hurdles you’ve faced, and how have they helped you grow both personally and professionally?
I’ve faced many challenges—from criticism and self-doubt to being told my audience wasn’t “big enough.” Early in my career, I struggled with conflicting guidance in clinical settings after becoming a licensed dietitian. Longevity science wasn’t part of my formal education, so I dedicated time to study the latest research.
My life has always been about transformation. Realizing a larger audience needed this knowledge, I created the Gut-Brain Method to simplify complex science and make it accessible. I condensed over a decade of research and experience into a course for the next generation of healthcare providers.
Transitioning from clinical practice to global wellness leadership wasn’t easy. Early on, I faced resistance when advocating for a gut-centered approach in mainstream healthcare. I also overcame personal health challenges, including gut imbalances and stress-induced inflammation, which taught me resilience.
By staying committed to science-backed education and personal transformation, I turned obstacles into opportunities—learning to lead with authenticity, innovate beyond limitations, and bring lasting change to the wellness industry.
Gut Health—Mind and Body Connection: Our gut directly impacts emotions, stress levels, and cognitive performance. Through the gut-brain axis, the microbiome communicates with the brain, influencing mood, decision-making, and resilience. When gut bacteria are imbalanced, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Conversely, a well-nourished gut supports emotional stability, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
I use data-driven analysis and comprehensive testing to help my clients decode their body’s signals and understand how gut health influences their mind and well-being. In many ways, I act as an interpreter—bridging the connection between their body and mind, helping them finally recognize how food and daily choices impact their mental, emotional, and physical resilience and vitality.
Stress is a major part of many people’s lives, and it can be hard to avoid. How does chronic stress affect the gut, and what are some practical strategies for managing stress to protect gut health?
A key part of the Gut-Brain Method is addressing what’s called the perception of stress—how we internalize and respond to challenges based on learned coping mechanisms from childhood. Emotional imbalances and unresolved stress can shape long-term health outcomes, which is why I incorporated mindfulness techniques into my program. Guided meditations help my clients uncover behavioral patterns rooted in childhood and develop healthier coping strategies as they mature into adulthood. This process is essential because chronic stress damages the gut, raising cortisol levels, weakening digestion, disrupting gut bacteria, and leading to leaky gut syndrome.
Practical Strategies to Combat Stress & Support Gut Health:
✅ Breathwork & Meditation – Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting gut repair and relaxation.
✅ Fermented Foods & Probiotics – Strengthen the gut microbiome, enhancing resilience to stress.
✅ Prioritizing Sleep – Optimizes gut-brain communication, improving digestion and emotional balance.
✅ Mindful Eating – Chewing food thoroughly and eating in a calm state maximizes nutrient absorption and digestive efficiency.
By addressing stress perception, emotional patterns, and gut health simultaneously, we create lasting transformations in both mental and physical well-being.
Many people suffer from digestive issues like bloating, fatigue, and IBS. What are some are some common but overlooked factors that contribute to these problems? What hidden signs that could indicate gut health issues people might overlook in their day-to-day lives?
Over the years, I’ve compiled an integrative symptom list that goes beyond common gut issues like bloating and IBS. Many hidden signs of gut dysfunction manifest in unexpected ways, including:
Fatigue & Brain Fog – Poor gut health can impair nutrient absorption, leading to low energy and cognitive sluggishness.
Skin Issues – Eczema, acne, and rosacea often signal underlying gut imbalances and inflammation.
Food Sensitivities – Reactions to dairy, gluten, or certain vegetables may indicate gut lining damage or leaky gut.
Cravings & Mood Swings – Imbalanced gut bacteria disrupt dopamine and serotonin levels, affecting cravings and emotional stability.
Nasal Congestion, Snoring & Ear Infections – Chronic occurrences can be linked to gut-driven inflammation and immune dysfunction.
As someone who inspires many, what are your core values as a healer and leader in the wellness industry? How do you communicate that to your audience?
Thank you for the compliment. My core value is to educate my clients, helping them understand their bodies rather than simply following a protocol. My goal is to empower them with the knowledge and tools to sustain their health long-term and, in turn, inspire and educate others—creating a domino effect of wellness in their communities.
As a healer and leader in wellness, my guiding principles are:
Bio-individuality – There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition.
Science-driven wellness – I bridge cutting-edge research with practical solutions.
Sustainability & longevity – Health should be built for lifelong vitality, not quick fixes.
I communicate these values through my books, Longevity Dinners, and online platforms, always encouraging people to become their own health advocates and role models for those around them.
What is your goal with these incredible, invite-only longevity dinners popping up around the world? Can you tell us more about this fantastic community building events and their social impact?
My passion for educating people and helping them experience what a truly healthy, microbiome-supporting diet feels like led me to create Longevity Dinners. Beyond nutrition, I believe that a longevity lifestyle thrives in community—health is not just about what we eat, but about who we share our meals with.
These events started as a way to bring together like-minded individuals in Miami, those interested in longevity, wellness, and leadership. Over the years, this movement grew into the Global Longevity Association, where I now serve as President, collaborating with leading experts to advance longevity science and inspire sustainable health solutions worldwide.
Longevity Dinners are more than just meals—they are curated experiences designed to educate and empower leaders in the wellness space. These invite-only gatherings bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and health-conscious individuals in an intimate setting, where they can engage in meaningful conversations over nutrient-dense, brain-supportive meals rooted in longevity science.
The mission extends beyond the table—a portion of proceeds from each dinner supports global food security initiatives, including local food banks and World Central Kitchen, ensuring that #LongevityForAll isn’t just a concept, but a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
What is your vision for the future of wellness, and what role do you hope to play in shaping that future?
The future of wellness is personalized, science-backed, and integrative. I envision a world where people are empowered with the tools to optimize their gut health, mental well-being, and longevity through bio-individual nutrition. My role is to lead this movement through education, advocacy, and innovative solutions like the Gut-Brain Method Certification Course, training the next generation of health practitioners.
What advice would you offer to those who aspire to make a meaningful impact in the wellness industry?
To those looking to make a meaningful impact in wellness:
Stay rooted in science—credible, research-backed information will always stand out.
Be adaptable—the wellness industry evolves quickly, so stay ahead of trends while maintaining integrity.
Lead with authenticity—share your story, struggles, and successes to connect with your audience.
Build a strong network—collaborate with experts, mentors, and communities that align with your mission.
As a final thought, for readers who are ready to take control of their gut health, what would be your top three actionable steps to start the journey toward better digestion, energy, and long-term wellness?
Top 3 Actionable Steps for Gut Healt:
Eat more fermented foods—kimchi, sauerkraut, and probiotic-rich foods strengthen gut bacteria.
Reduce inflammatory triggers—limit processed foods, excess sugar, and artificial additives.
Practice mindful eating—chew thoroughly, avoid distractions, and eat in a calm state to optimize digestion.
Taking control of gut health isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent, science-backed habits that support longevity and vitality.
You can follow Ella Davar work at: https://nutritionistella.com/
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