Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, is a doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine, and clinical nutritionist who has become one of the most influential figures in the natural health movement. Born on August 18, 1981, in Troy, Ohio, Dr. Axe has transformed from a traditional healthcare practitioner into a pioneering entrepreneur who advocates for using food as medicine and natural remedies for optimal health.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Early Life and Educational Foundation
Joshua Lee Axe was born in Troy, Ohio, to parents Gary and Winona Axe. His father worked on powerlines for Ohio Bell (later AT&T) and was a semi-professional water skier, while his mother was an elementary school gym and swim teacher who made significant sacrifices for her children’s education, taking only a $7,000 annual salary so they could attend a quality Christian school.
The defining moment in Dr. Axe’s life came during his teenage years when his mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and given only a 40% chance of survival. While his mother’s cancer eventually went into remission, witnessing how sick the chemotherapy and medications made her motivated his passion for helping heal and aid those in need through natural methods.
Dr Josh Axe Education and Professional Credentials
Dr. Axe’s educational journey reflects his commitment to both traditional and alternative medicine:
| Institution | Degree/Certification | Years |
|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | Bachelor’s in Business | 2000-2003 |
| Palmer College, Florida | Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) | 2004-2007 |
| Various Institutions | Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) | Post-graduation |
| Various Institutions | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | Post-graduation |
| Johns Hopkins University | Master of Science in Organizational Leadership | Completed 2023 |
During his time at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Axe competed as part of the triathlon team that won nationals, demonstrating his early commitment to fitness and athletic performance.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Professional Career and Business Ventures
The Beginning: Functional Medicine Practice
In 2008, Dr. Axe started a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world, serving more than 1,000 patients per week. This clinic, called Exodus Health Center, operated from 2008 to 2013 and established his reputation as an innovative healthcare practitioner.
DrAxe.com: Educating the World
In 2009, Dr. Axe founded DrAxe.com to teach the world how to use food as medicine. The website has become one of the top natural health websites globally, covering topics including nutrition, natural medicine, fitness, healthy recipes, home DIY remedies, and trending health news.
The website features:
- A team of credentialed editors and writers
- A Medical Review Board for content accuracy
- Evidence-based articles on natural health
- Practical guides for healthy living
- Educational resources on nutrition and wellness
Ancient Nutrition: Revolutionizing Supplements
Dr. Josh Axe and Jordan Rubin are the founders of Ancient Nutrition, where the mission is to restore health, strength and vitality by providing history’s healthiest whole food nutrients to the modern world. The company produces:
- Bone Broth Protein™: A pioneering protein powder derived from bone broth
- Multi Collagen Protein: Comprehensive collagen supplements
- Essential Oils: Therapeutic-grade essential oils
- Probiotics: Gut health supplements
- Keto Products: Ketogenic diet support supplements
- Educational Materials: Comprehensive health education resources
Ancient Nutrition has become steadily popular over the years and has helped establish Dr. Axe’s companies on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies in 2016 and 2017, ranking as the 3rd fastest-growing business in healthcare.
The Health Institute: Advanced Health Education
Dr. Axe founded The Health Institute, which offers programs and certifications for health practitioners, health coaches, and wellness advocates. The institute teaches ancient principles of health to the modern world and provides educational platforms reaching millions worldwide.
Leaders.com: Business and Leadership Platform
Dr. Axe is the founder of Leaders.com, an online platform that provides the latest on breaking news, leadership, business, and wealth building strategies. This platform reflects his expertise in organizational leadership, backed by his Johns Hopkins University education.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Bestselling Author and Thought Leader
Dr. Axe has authored several national bestselling books that have impacted millions of readers:
Published Works Overview
| Book Title | Focus Area | Key Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Think This, Not That (2024) | Mindset and Personal Development | 12 mindshifts to transform limiting beliefs |
| Ancient Remedies | Natural Medicine | Herbs, essential oils, CBD, and traditional healing |
| Keto Diet | Nutrition and Weight Loss | Ketogenic lifestyle and metabolic health |
| Eat Dirt | Gut Health | Microbiome, digestive wellness, and immune function |
“Think This, Not That”: Latest Release
Dr. Josh Axe’s latest book, “Think This, Not That,” reveals the secrets to unlocking true potential and living a life of significance. The book helps readers unpack twelve mental barriers that have been holding them back from becoming the person they’re meant to be, presenting brand new empowering mindsets for each barrier.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Media Presence and Public Speaking
Television and Media Appearances
Dr. Axe has been a regular guest expert on The Dr. Oz Show, covering topics such as the gut microbiome, weight loss, digestive health (including leaky gut and candida), and herbal medicine.
Corporate Wellness and Speaking Engagements
Dr. Josh Axe has taught corporate wellness programs for major companies including Nissan, Whole Foods, Mercy Ministries, and Lifeway. He has been featured as a keynote speaker at conferences across the country, including South by Southwest (SXSW), PaleoFX, and the Autism Education Summit.
Digital Presence and Social Media
Dr. Axe maintains a strong digital presence across multiple platforms:
| Platform | Followers/Engagement | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 965K followers | Health tips, lifestyle content, educational posts | |
| 2.7+ million likes | Community engagement, health education | |
| YouTube | Educational content | Fitness programs, nutrition guidance |
| Podcast | The Dr. Josh Axe Show | Health interviews, wellness discussions |
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Athletic Background and Fitness Innovation
BurstFIT Training Program
Dr. Axe is co-founder of the BurstFIT interval training program along with his wife Dr. Chelsea Axe. Dr. Axe videos like BurstFIT and BurstFIT Fire have received rave reviews for being one of the most effective exercise programs ever created to support the body in getting toned and fit.
Sports Medicine and Athletic Consulting
Dr. Axe has been a resource for many professional athletes and has worked with the Wellness Advisory Council and Professional Swim Teams since 2009. He was also a previous health advisor for the University of Michigan Swim Team.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Personal Health Journey and Philosophy
Life-Changing Health Crisis
Dr. Axe experienced a personal health crisis when a weightlifting injury led to two bulged discs in his back. After mixed results with stem cell therapy, an MRI revealed something far more serious – a severe spinal infection that had spread to his bones and spinal canal. This experience led him through ten months of bedrest and ultimately reinforced his commitment to natural healing methods.
Core Health Philosophy
Dr. Axe’s approach to health is built on several fundamental principles:
- Food as Medicine: He discusses how using food as natural remedies for ailments and conditions, showing scientific evidence behind why eating foods like coconut, bone broth, wild-caught fish, fermented vegetables and leafy greens are essential to a healing diet
- Mindset as Medicine: Recognizing the powerful connection between mental state and physical health
- Lifestyle as Medicine: Comprehensive approach including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and spiritual wellness
- Natural Remedies First: Prioritizing natural solutions before pharmaceutical interventions
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Family Life and Personal Values
Marriage and Family
Dr. Josh Axe is married to Dr. Chelsea Axe, who is also a doctor of chiropractic and CSCS Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. They have two daughters and live between Nashville, TN and Dorado, PR. Dr. Chelsea Axe has a background rooted in sports and coached and participated on the junior olympic volleyball team, playing at nationals for consecutive years.
Lifestyle and Interests
The Axe family enjoys making healthy gourmet meals like homemade gluten-free pizza, paddle boarding, doing ginger shots, Burst training, and going hiking with their dogs Oakley and Flash. They also enjoy cooking, staying active swimming and cycling, and prioritize time for their faith and family.
Faith and Philanthropy
Dr. Axe has stated that his Christian faith permeates every area of his life. He believes we are all called to love God, love people, and make the earth a heavenly place. He has been on mission trips to care for orphans in Jamaica, China, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
The family regularly contributes to ministries including:
- Mully Children’s Family: Rescues, heals, and educates abandoned orphans
- Unlikely Heroes: Saves women from sex trafficking
- Local church ministry: Models the life of Jesus in their community
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Impact and Recognition
Business Success and Rankings
- Inc. 5000 Company ranking for Axe Wellness in 2016 and 2017
- 3rd fastest-growing business in healthcare category
- Multiple successful companies valued in millions of dollars
- Global reach through digital platforms and products
Educational Impact
- Millions of website visitors monthly on DrAxe.com
- Thousands of health practitioners trained through The Health Institute
- Corporate wellness programs reaching major companies
- Educational content consumed by global audiences
Leadership Philosophy
Dr. Axe’s leadership philosophy includes key principles such as “The fastest way to change team culture is to change team leadership,” “You can only lead someone as far as you’re willing to go yourself,” and “The very essence of leadership is casting a vision that people are willing to sacrifice for and then following your lead into seeing that vision become a reality”.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Current Projects and Future Vision
The Dr. Josh Axe Show
Dr. Axe hosts “The Dr. Josh Axe Show,” a podcast where he shares mind-blowing tips for optimizing mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. The show features interviews with health experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.
Continued Innovation in Health
Dr. Axe continues to innovate in the health space by:
- Developing new natural health products through Ancient Nutrition
- Creating educational content that bridges ancient wisdom with modern science
- Training the next generation of health practitioners
- Advocating for natural health approaches in mainstream medicine
Global Health Mission
What began as a personal mission has grown into a global movement, empowering people to take control of their health through natural methods. Dr. Axe continues to help people discover the transformative power of natural medicine and unlock their body’s incredible ability to heal and thrive.
Who is Dr Josh Axe: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are Dr. Josh Axe’s main credentials and qualifications?
Dr. Josh Axe holds multiple credentials: DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Palmer College, DNM (Doctor of Natural Medicine), CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist), and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. He combines traditional medical training with natural medicine expertise and business leadership education.
2. What companies has Dr. Josh Axe founded?
Dr. Axe has founded five multi-million dollar companies including his former functional medicine clinic, DrAxe.com, Ancient Nutrition (co-founded with Jordan Rubin), The Health Institute, and Leaders.com. His company Axe Wellness has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies.
3. What is Dr. Josh Axe’s approach to health and wellness?
Dr. Axe’s approach centers on three main principles: food as medicine, mindset as medicine, and lifestyle as medicine. He advocates for using natural remedies and shows scientific evidence behind why eating foods like coconut, bone broth, wild-caught fish, fermented vegetables and leafy greens are essential to a healing diet. He emphasizes treating root causes rather than just symptoms.
4. What are Dr. Josh Axe’s most popular books?
Dr. Axe is the bestselling author of several books including “Think This Not That” (2024), “Eat Dirt,” “Keto Diet,” and “Ancient Remedies”. His latest book, “Think This, Not That,” focuses on twelve mindshifts to break free from limiting beliefs and transform one’s life.
5. How did Dr. Josh Axe get started in natural health?
Dr. Axe’s passion for natural health began when his mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer during his teenage years. Witnessing how sick chemotherapy and medications made her, despite her eventual recovery, motivated his dedication to helping people heal through natural methods. His own health crisis with a severe spinal infection further reinforced his commitment to natural healing approaches.
This comprehensive guide answers “who is Dr Josh Axe” by exploring his background, education, business ventures, philosophy, and impact on the natural health industry. From his humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming a globally recognized health authority, Dr. Axe continues to inspire millions to take control of their health through natural, evidence-based approaches.
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