For centuries scientists have been perplexed by what appeared to be a direct connection between the gut and the brain.

It doesn’t take much to see this in action and realize there must be some relationship between the two.

All you need to do is experience butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous or rocket to the bathroom with diarrhea when you’re upset to know there’s a definite link.

Here’s a little history of what we know about your gallant gut and your brawny brain and why the coziness between the two is so crucial to your health and life!

2 “brains” about 2 feet apart

One of the first steps in our understanding of the gut and brain was the discovery of the brain-gut axis—a network of chemical and electrical signals that pass between the two—and it became clear that what affects one affects the other. 

Scientists even began calling the gut your “second brain” as a result! 

Plus this shed some light as to why mental and gastrointestinal issues like anxiety and IBS frequently go hand in hand.

Then in 2018 researchers discovered that your brain and central nervous system are directly connected to your immune system by lymphatic vessels (near your sinuses) that were previously thought not to exist.

This made autoimmune neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s less of a mystery.  Since 80 percent of your immune system is in your gut, it’s easy to see how mixed up immune cells could travel through these newly discovered lymphatic vessels and carry out their damaging actions all through your body.

The newest discovery—your brain has its own microbiome!

Up until now, the brain has been thought to be kind of “sterile” and free of bacteria and other microbes.

Well, throw that out the window.

Researchers from The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) have recently presented high-resolution microscopic images of human (and mouse) brains that clearly show bacteria comfortably nestled inside brain cells that specifically interact with and support neurons.

Once the researchers carefully ruled out contamination of the slides and other explanations for the presence of the bacteria, it became clear:  Your brain apparently has its OWN microbiome!

And this microbiome functions very similar to the one that’s about 24 inches south of it.

When you consider that your microbiome protects you from infections, viruses and diseases and houses most of your immune system, it’s safe to say that you are alive and reading this blog right now because of it!

Take care of BOTH of your microbiomes!

Now more than ever before in our existence, it’s essential to take care of your increasingly vital microbial inhabitants—both “north and south!”

Here are 4 of the best ways to accomplish this:

1- Limit sugar and refined carbs

Sugar and refined carbs (which turn to sugar upon digestion) feed cancer cells, harmful yeasts and parasites and depress your immune system functioning.

So avoid the white breads, pastries, cookies, donuts, cakes, bagels, rolls, white rice, crackers and snack chips.

And stay far away from the #1 health wrecker in existence—SODA. 

2- De-stress and get some rest

Both stress and lack of sleep are harmful to your microbiome.

Do what you must to lower stress in your life (regular exercise works wonders!), and make sure you get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. 

3- Help repopulate your supply of good bacteria

Contrary to what most people believe, the inner “probiotics” in your microbiome are not permanent residents—they only reside in you for two weeks or less. 

So, it’s crucial to help support their numbers and have a strong population of these microscopic good guys. 

Supplementation with a top-notch, full-spectrum probiotic like Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula is the #1 most effective step you can take to encourage a healthy microbiome. 

Super Shield contains 13 strains of well-studied, proven probiotic bacteria that each has their own “specialty” in how they help support your great health!

4- Eat fermented foods

Your microbiome LOVES fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha so give it a treat by incorporating these foods into your diet.

Also, apple cider vinegar is a wonderful toner for the gut!  If you like spice and heat, try “Fire Cider.”  It’s an organic apple cider vinegar tonic that you can use in salad dressings or even take a shot straight up!

Take care of your body’s gold—your microbiomes—and help them to protect you AND your brain like they should!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

PS: The sale on our brand-new Optimal Yeast Support Blend continues! 

Save $5 a bottle now!