Did you know our second brain, the gut, has two thin layers of over 100 million nerve cells that line our entire gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum? (1)
Our second brain is also called the enteric nervous system (ENS) and explains how the gut is linked to our overall health, mental health, cognitive decline and even Alzheimer’s.
The enteric nervous system relies on the same network of nerves, neurons, neurotransmitters and hormones that are found in the central nervous system (CNS), including our brain. Both, the ENS and CNS communicate with each other and explain how, for example, stress and anxiety can make our gastrointestinal symptoms worse. And an unhealthy gut can affect our health and brain function.
The interactions of the two systems are highly complex. But we do know some of the factors that cause our health or brain function to decline.
One factor is our western diet and the over-consumption of highly refined food with poor nutritional quality. This diet actually changes our microbiome. To be specific, the overabundance of “bad” bacteria replaces our good gut bacteria which help regulate the bodies immune response.
Another factor is environmental pesticides and toxins which also attack our gut lining. The gut lining tight junctions lose their integrity (called “leaky gut” or “intestinal permeability”) which causes low-grade gut inflammation that may have serious consequences for our health. (2)
Microorganisms in the gut help regulate the body’s immune response. However, the unwarranted intestinal permeability and accompanied low-grade inflammation can result in a range of diseases including unhealthy brain function. The inflammation and oxidative stress cause a systemic release of mediators acting on the glial cells in the brain causing neuroinflammation promoting cognitive decline.
Besides partaking in physical exercise, staying socially active, reducing stress, sleeping well and pursuing intellectual activities changing your diet is very important.
Let’s start healing your gut and brain health with a few basic interventions!
5 Powerful Ways to Heal Your Gut
#1. Chance Your Diet.
Changing to an anti-inflammatory and ketogenic diet are key factors in reducing inflammation, healing the gut lining and your brain health. (more at info@antheahealth.com)
#2. Detox Your Body
A program that is designed to renew and enhance the bodies cleansing and natural detoxification capabilities. The program should support digestion, assimilation, and elimination of the gut. When we heal the intestinal lining we reduce inflammation and improve the body’s immune response leading to overall better health and improved ENS-CNS connection and brain function.
#3. Utilize Supplements for 14-Day Gut-Healing Detox
OptiCleanse GHI (for vegans: OptiCleanse Plus)
Blend, shake, or briskly stir 2 level scoops into 10-12 ounces of chilled, pure water (or mix amount for desired thickness) and consume once daily
ColonX to support gastrointestinal (GI) regularity and final phases of detoxification* (4)
Take one to two capsules at bedtime with 8 oz of water 
Drainage focuses on the liver, kidney, and colon functions while addressing symptoms associated with toxicity (fatigue, headaches, and sluggish elimination* (4)
Take 6 drops by mouth at bedtime 
#4. Utilize Supplement For Ongoing Gut Balance
ProbioMax Daily DF provides four researched strains of beneficial bacteria, including the extensively studied HN019 strain of Bifidobacterium lactis. These live microorganisms have proven health benefits, maintaining a healthy intestinal microecology and supporting the natural immune response* (4)
Take one capsule with water daily for four weeks after detox 
#5. Utilize Supplements to Help you Improve Cognition and Brain Function
MemorAll is a unique combination of nutrients and botanicals that supports cognitive function and a healthy memory. It features select B vitamins, including Quatrefolic®, a patented form of 5-MTHF; the herbs Gingko biloba and Bacopa monnieri; nutrients that provide antioxidant activity; and brain-specific nutrients such as vinpocetine, acetyl-L- carnitine, and sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine. This comprehensive formula addresses the multiple pathways involved in neurological health by supporting oxidant and cytokine balance, methylation, mitochondrial function, and endocrine balance* (4)
Take one capsule twice daily 
Cogniquil is a unique combination of nutrients and botanicals that supports cognitive function and a healthy memory. It features select B vitamins, including Quatrefolic®, a patented form of 5-MTHF; the herbs Gingko biloba and Bacopa monnieri; nutrients that provide antioxidant activity; and brain-specific nutrients such as vinpocetine, acetyl-L- carnitine, and sunflower-derived phosphatidylserine. This comprehensive formula addresses the multiple pathways involved in neurological health by supporting oxidant and cytokine balance, methylation, mitochondrial function, and endocrine balance* (4)
Begin with two capsules daily to determine response. Increase to a maximum of two capsules twice daily
OmegaPure 820 EPA and DHA from fish oil promote wellness by supporting cardiovascular health, cytokine balance, joint health, and brain and nervous system function* (4)
Take two softgels two times daily
PhosphaLine (phosphatidylcholine) Studies suggest that PPC ingestion increases choline levels in the blood and brain and supports acetylcholine synthesis for healthy neuronal and cell function. Daily supplementation of PPC may help maintain healthy brain and liver function, healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range, and gastric mucosal protection. PPC is widely used to support healthy aging* (4)
Take three softgels daily
Remember this list is not exclusive, depending on your health history and current symptoms a program to improve gut/brain health needs to be individualized. Here at Anthea Health we strive to help you achieve optimal health and we are happy to help you along the path.
Can Barbara and Anthea Health help you? Schedule a Complimentary 15 Minute Call to learn more.
References:
(1) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-
connection.
(2) Caracciolo, B., et al., Cognitive decline, dietary factors and gut–brain interactions. Mech.
Ageing Dev. (2013) (3) Conlon, M. A., & Bird, A. R. (2015). The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Gut Microbiota and
(3) Human Health. Nutrients, 7(1), 17–44. (4) https://www.xymogen.com/formulas/
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Disclaimer
Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or otherwise.
homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this web site. Information provided on this web site DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our web site. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
