On this episode of Health Theory with Tom Bilyeu, Andrew Weil discusses the current mental health crisis, describes what has gone so wrong with the American medical system, and explores alternatives to the common modern diet of processed foods and sweetened drinks. He also explains why he views consciousness as primary, advocates for open-minded skepticism, and discusses the benefits of plant-based treatments for everything from allergies to PTSD. This episode is brought to you by: Athletic Greens: Go to athleticgreens.com/impact and receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase! Better Help: Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/impacttheory Hydrant: Go to https://DrinkHydrant.com/IMPACT or enter our promo code IMPACT at checkout to save 25% off your first order. SHOW NOTES: Words are powerful and doctors say some things unconsciously that interfere with healing [0:22] Andrew explains why he was so interested in botany and what he learned from it [2:36] Andrew talks about what drew him to ethno-botany [5:23] Andrew discusses why he got so interested in consciousness [6:26] Tom and Andrew discuss how your thoughts affect your brain and body [9:36] Can consciousness exist apart from the brain? [15:17] Andrew discusses altered states and how they changed his body and environment [19:05] Why it’s good to be an open-minded skeptic [22:16] What does it mean to say that “consciousness is primary?” [27:09] Tom and Andrew discuss breathing and how to shift between psychological states [30:18] Andrew talks about the connections between mental health and modern society [34:10] Why you should stop eating processed food and drinking sweetened drinks [36:36] Andrew talks about the flu pandemic of 1918 [41:32] Healthy organisms are naturally resistant so you should keep yourself healthy [44:43] Andrew discusses what has gone so wrong in our healthcare system [47:17] We should be doing real health education from kindergarten on [49:32] Andrew’s family encouraged him to follow his curiosity and passion [52:27] What plants should we consume, and what are the benefits of MDMA and marijuana? [55:13] FOLLOW ANDREW: WEBSITE: drweil.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/drweil/ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/DrWeil/ TWITTER: twitter.com/DrWeilAre You Ready for EXTRA Impact?If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you.Want to transform your health, sharpen your mindset, improve your relationship, or conquer the business world? This is your epicenter of greatness. This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day.Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJazSubscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices