Steven Gundry’s net worth is estimated at $8-70 million in 2026, depending on the source, built through his Gundry MD supplement empire, nine bestselling books, and two medical clinics. The former cardiac surgeon walked away from a distinguished career in heart transplant surgery to tell the world that beans are trying to kill them. His “Plant Paradox” became a bestseller. His supplement ads became inescapable. Moreover, scientists have called his lectin claims pseudoscience. However, millions of followers don’t care. Furthermore, his books have sold an estimated 1.9-3.8 million copies on Amazon alone. He sees patients six days a week. The man works.
Steven Gundry Net Worth: The Gundry MD Business Machine
In 2016, Gundry founded Gundry MD, a wellness brand selling dietary supplements, skincare products, and food items. The company has grown into a multi-million dollar operation. Furthermore, the product line includes supplements like Total Restore, Bio Complete 3, Energy Renew, Metabolic Advanced, and Bioskin.
The marketing operation is aggressive. Specifically, Gundry MD runs ads from at least nine different social media accounts. The videos typically begin with clickbait hooks. They often run for an hour. Moreover, they end with high-pressure sales tactics. Nevertheless, the strategy clearly works. The supplement revenue represents Gundry’s most significant income stream beyond book sales.
Additionally, he founded the Gundry Health telemedicine app. This extends his reach to patients who cannot visit his physical clinics. Consequently, the combination of supplements, telemedicine, books, and podcast revenue creates a diversified income portfolio.
From Pioneer Heart Surgeon to Diet Doctor
Gundry was born on July 11, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska. He graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1972. Furthermore, he earned his MD from the Medical College of Georgia, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed residencies in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan.
His surgical career was genuinely distinguished. He became a professor and chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Loma Linda University. In 1990, he made headlines when an infant’s heart healed while on life support awaiting transplant. Specifically, he performed a successful four-hour mitral valve repair that eliminated the transplant need. Furthermore, he published approximately 300 medical articles and registered numerous patents for medical devices.
In 2002, he left his chairman position to focus on food-based health interventions. He founded The Center for Restorative Medicine in Montecito, California. Additionally, he operates the Heart and Lung Institute in Palm Springs. He sees patients in person and remotely six days per week. His practice focuses primarily on autoimmune diseases.
The Plant Paradox and the Lectin War
His first diet book, “Dr. Gundry’s Diet Evolution,” appeared in 2008. However, his 2017 book “The Plant Paradox” became the cultural phenomenon. It argues that lectins, proteins found in many plants, cause inflammation leading to modern diseases. Furthermore, Gundry coined the term “lectin-free diet” and advocates avoiding foods containing these proteins.
The book spawned an entire franchise. Subsequent titles include The Plant Paradox Cookbook (2018), The Plant Paradox Quick and Easy (2019), The Longevity Paradox (2019), The Plant Paradox Family Cookbook (2019), The Energy Paradox (2021), Unlocking the Keto Code (2022), and the Gut-Brain Paradox. That is nine books total. Moreover, they’ve been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies globally.
He also writes for Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop website. Furthermore, he hosts the weekly Dr. Gundry Podcast covering nutrition and wellness topics. Celebrity endorsements have included Kelly Clarkson, who credited Gundry’s approach with her weight loss.
The Scientific Backlash
The criticism from the scientific community has been comprehensive. Robert Eckel, past president of the American Heart Association, stated that Gundry’s advice contradicts every major dietary recommendation. Furthermore, T. Colin Campbell said the book contains numerous unsupported claims and accused Gundry of making things up.
Red Pen Reviews gave “The Plant Paradox” a 49% overall score and a 29% score for scientific accuracy. Specifically, reviewer Mario Kratz noted the book’s central claim is unsupported by scientific evidence. Additionally, Stephan Guyenet gave it 26% for scientific accuracy. Dr. Greger from NutritionFacts.org said the book doesn’t even pass basic scrutiny.
Today’s Dietitian acknowledged that raw beans containing lectins could be harmful. However, it concluded that recommending a lectin-free diet would be nonsensical. Furthermore, cooking beans, grains, and vegetables effectively eliminates lectin concerns. Nevertheless, Gundry continues selling supplements designed to counteract lectin damage.
Revenue Streams and Business Model
Gundry’s income flows from multiple channels. Book royalties on nine titles provide steady revenue. Gundry MD supplement sales represent the largest stream. Additionally, clinical practice at two locations generates patient revenue. Speaking engagements at medical conferences add another layer. Furthermore, his podcast and YouTube presence drive both audience growth and supplement sales.
His YouTube channel functions primarily as a supplement promotion platform. He provides dietary explanations and tips while directing viewers to Gundry MD products. Consequently, content marketing and direct sales work in a reinforcing loop. His social media advertising budget appears substantial given the multi-account campaign strategy.
Where Gundry Fits in the Longevity Economy
Among longevity era figures, Gundry represents the surgeon-turned-supplement-entrepreneur. His medical credentials are more substantial than most wellness influencers. However, his commercial activities have drawn comparable criticism to Daniel Amen’s SPECT scan empire. Both leverage legitimate medical backgrounds to sell scientifically disputed products.
For related profiles, see Mark Hyman’s functional medicine approach and Max Lugavere’s brain food brand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steven Gundry’s net worth in 2026?
Steven Gundry’s net worth is estimated at $8-70 million depending on the source. His income comes from Gundry MD supplement sales, book royalties on nine titles, two medical clinics, speaking engagements, and podcast revenue. Furthermore, his books have sold an estimated 1.9-3.8 million copies on Amazon alone.
What is the Plant Paradox diet?
The Plant Paradox diet advocates avoiding foods containing lectins, proteins found in many plants. Gundry claims lectins cause inflammation and modern diseases. However, scientists and dietitians have classified these claims as pseudoscience. Major health organizations contradict his recommendations. Furthermore, cooking effectively eliminates lectin concerns in most foods.
Was Steven Gundry a real heart surgeon?
Yes. Gundry was a professor and chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Loma Linda University. He published approximately 300 medical articles. Furthermore, he pioneered infant heart transplant surgery. He left his position in 2002 to focus on nutrition-based medicine. His surgical career was genuinely distinguished.
What is Gundry MD?
Gundry MD is a wellness brand founded in 2016 selling dietary supplements, skincare products, and food items. Products include Total Restore, Bio Complete 3, and Energy Renew. Furthermore, the company runs extensive social media advertising campaigns. It has grown into a multi-million dollar operation driving Gundry’s net worth.
Why is Steven Gundry controversial?
His lectin claims have been rejected by the scientific community. The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and other major organizations contradict his advice. Furthermore, Red Pen Reviews gave “The Plant Paradox” a 29% score for scientific accuracy. Critics argue his supplement sales create a conflict of interest with his health recommendations.