Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GUT Health
GUT Health
Contents
DISCLAIMER.......................................................................................................... 3
OUR STANCE ON ANIMAL STUDIES.......................................................4
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING GUT HEALTH.................................6
CHAPTER 2: THE ROLE OF DIET IN GUT HEALTH........................ 9
CHAPTER 3: PROBIOTICS ............................................................................ 17
CHAPTER 4: PREBIOTICS AND RESISTANT STARCH ................ 25
CHAPTER 5: FERMENTED FOODS..................................31
CHAPTER 6: POLYPHENOLS.............................................. 36
CHAPTER 7: L-GLUTAMINE ................................................41
CHAPTER 8: BITTERS ............................................................ 46
CHAPTER 9: DIGESTIVE ENZYMES.............................. 53
CHAPTER 10: VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION............61
CONCLUSION: EMBRACING THE JOURNEY
TO BETTER GUT HEALTH....................................................72
RECIPES...........................................................................................74
Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Fermented Cashew Cheese................74
Chamomile-Infused Chia Pudding........................................................... 77
Fermented Beet and Carrot Salad..............................................................79
Apple and Fennel Sauerkraut...................................................................... 81
Arugula and Avocado Salad ........................................................................ 84
This book contains information that is not designed to take the place of, substitute, or
replace any form and method of professional or medical advice and treatment or medicine.
All content is the author’s opinion and is not intended to diagnose and remedy. The facts and
figures contained in this document are presented solely for informational and educational
purposes only.
This book contains materials, statistics, news, and reports compiled from various resources
and sources considered accurate and deemed reliable to the best of the Author’s knowledge;
however, the author cannot assure and guarantee its validity and accuracy and cannot be
considered, nor held accountable for any omissions or errors. The contents of this book are
periodically updated. You must seek medical advice, treatment, and medicine from a pro-
fessional or doctor before utilizing any of the information, techniques, advice, and remedies
mentioned in this document.
By applying and utilizing the information, techniques, advice, and remedies mentioned
in this document, you consent to hold the Author unaccountable against and from any
expenses, costs, and damages, including any potential legal fees subsequent from the use
of any information presented in this book.
This disclaimer covers any injury or damages resulting from the application and uses, wheth-
er indirectly or directly, from any information or advice that are given, whether criminal
intent, personal injury, negligence, offence, contract breach, or any action caused.
By reading the information presented in this document, you accept all the risks related with
the application of the advice given herein, with a complete understanding that solely you are
liable for any result or effect that occurs upon the use of the information and the execution
in any manner, as well as regardless of the interpretation you considered of the advice. To
ensure your safety and health, consult a medical or professional practitioner before applying
any of the information, techniques, advice, and remedies mentioned in this document.
Firstly, mouse and rat modeling is not an infallible method. Rodents are quite
different from humans, and findings do not always apply to us.
The second, and most important reason, is that animal studies contain a degree
of cruelty towards their subjects, which we do not support.
But, like any good party, things can quickly go south with the wrong
mix. Too much junk food, stress, lack of exercise, and antibiotics, and
your gut can go from Studio 54 to a bad frat party in no time, leaving
you with a host of unpleasant party crashers like bloating, indigestion,
and more serious health issues, like irritable bowel syndrome and
inflammatory bowel disease.
Chapter 1:
Understanding Gut
Health
First things first. Let’s have a closer look inside at our digestive system
or our gut.
Now, let's talk about the real life of the party — our gut microbiome.
This is a diverse community of trillions of bacteria and other mi-
crobes that live in our digestive tract, particularly in the large intestine.
But the influence of the gut microbiome doesn't stop at the diges-
tive system. Research is increasingly showing that our gut health is
intricately linked to our overall health. For instance, a healthy gut
microbiome can boost our immune system and protect against harmful
bacteria and viruses.3 On the other hand, dysbiosis has been linked to
a range of health issues beyond the gut, including obesity, diabetes,
heart disease, and even mental health conditions like depression and
anxiety.4
[2] “Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components.” Feb. 2018, https://www.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5847071/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[3] “The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious
Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies.” Mar. 2021,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8001875/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[4] “Current Understanding of Dysbiosis in Disease in Human and Animal Models.” May 2016, https://www.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4838534/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
On the other hand, some bacteria can be harmful when they become
too abundant. These bacteria often thrive on a diet high in sugar, fat,
and processed foods.
[5] “The Effect of Probiotics on the Production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids by Human Intestinal Microbiome.”
Apr. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230973/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[6] “Effect of Diet and Dietary Components on the Composition of the Gut Microbiota.” Aug. 2021, https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8398149/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
2. Artificial sweeteners
[7] "High-Glucose or -Fructose Diet Cause Changes of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Disorders..." Jun.
2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024874/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
[8] "Association Between Soft Drink Consumption and Mortality in 10 European Countries." 3 Sep. 2019,
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2749350. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
It’s time to cut down on the drink. A study that came out in the journal
Gut Microbes in 2020 says that drinking too much alcohol can hurt
your gut microbiome. Dysbiosis is linked to drinking too much alcohol,
which is more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for
women.10 More recent studies even recommend that the amount of
alcohol consumed that minimizes health loss is actually zero!11
4. Fried foods
Saturated and trans fats, a key feature in fried foods, is also hard on
your gut. Fried foods are often high in fat, calories, and salt. They
are typically made by deep-frying or pan-frying food in oil at high
[9] "Artificial Sweeteners Negatively Regulate Pathogenic Characteristics of Two Model Gut Bacteria..." 15
May 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34063332/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
[10] "Longitudinal gut microbiome changes in alcohol use disorder are influenced by abstinence..." 1 Nov.
2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32615913/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
[11] "Alcohol use and burden for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis..." 22 Sep.
2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30146330/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2023.
5. Red meat
Diets high in red meat and fat are especially bad for gut health, so
it might be time to reconsider that steak. Fatty meats like burgers,
sausage, and bacon feed specific gut bacteria that release enzymes that
promote inflammation. These foods are also high in L-carnitine, a com-
pound that can alter the gut microbiome and lead to the production of
a substance known as TMAO. High levels of TMAO raise your chances
of having a heart attack or a stroke.13 Diets high in red meats have also
been linked to colon cancer.14
6. Ultra-processed foods
Processed foods containing lots of food additives, salt, and sugar are
also on the foods-to-avoid list. They are usually low in fiber, vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants, and high in fats, refined carbs, sugar, and
salt. Examples of highly processed foods include:
[12] "Fried Foods, Gut Microbiota, and Glucose Metabolism." Sep. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
articles/PMC8740929/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
[13] "Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis." May
2013, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23563705/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
[14] "Red and processed meat and colorectal cancer incidence: meta-analysis of prospective studies." 6
Jun. 2011, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21674008/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can have varying
effects on individuals' gut health. For the majority of the population,
gluten is well-tolerated and does not cause any adverse health ef-
fects. However, for individuals with conditions such as celiac disease,
non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and some autoimmune diseases, ingestion
of gluten can trigger an immune response. This response can lead to
inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, impairing
nutrient absorption and leading to a variety of gastrointestinal and
non-gastrointestinal symptoms.
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help promote a healthy,
balanced gut microbiota. Remember, variety is key. Just like a well-tend-
ed garden needs a mix of different plants to thrive, your gut benefits
from a diverse diet. So, don't be afraid to mix things up and try new
foods. Your gut will thank you!
Probiotics are the good bacteria in your gut. They act like policemen
within the gut, restoring order and peace amongst the “citizens” of the
microbiota.
Probiotics can help restore this balance, crowding out harmful bacteria
and replenishing your gut with friendly ones. They can also help repair
the gut lining, preventing harmful substances from leaking into the
body — a phenomenon known as "leaky gut."
But the benefits of probiotics extend beyond the gut. They can support
the immune system, helping to prevent infections and illnesses. Some
probiotics can even produce neurotransmitters, influencing brain func-
tion and mental health. Research has also linked probiotics to improved
heart health, reduced inflammation, better skin, and weight loss.
[15] “Acquisition of microbiota according to the type of birth: an integrative review.” Jul. 2021, https://www.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8294792/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[16] “Alteration of gut microbiota and efficacy of probiotics in functional constipation.” Jan. 2015, https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4288092/. Accessed 8. Jul. 2022.
[17] “Probiotic mixture reduces gut inflammation and microbial dysbiosis in children with atopic dermatitis”
Aug. 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34110005/. Accessed 8 Jul. 2022.
[18] “Probiotics: what are they? What are their effects on gut physiology?” Oct. 2003, https://pubmed.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/14507583/. Accessed 8 Jul. 2022.
⭐ Lowering gut pH 20
Due to their various actions, probiotics are used for treating various
conditions and diseases, including gastroenteritis, infantile colic, irri-
table bowel syndrome, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, and inflammatory
bowel disease, as well as a myriad of conditions not directly relating
to the gastrointestinal tract. These include type 2 diabetes, obesity,
cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, endometriosis, eczema,
and autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis, fibromyalgia, and lupus
to name a few.24 25
TIPS ON PURCHASING:
Probiotics can be consumed in several ways. They're naturally found in
fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha
(which we will cover in a later chapter). They're also available as dietary
supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.
*You may have noticed that probiotics don’t just list the strain but they also
include an alpha numeric designator after it e.g. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM
17938. This shows that a scientific company has genetically strained and
patented it for leasing to other companies to manufacture. When you see these
strain identifiers, you know that these strains have been tested on humans for
specific benefits.
[26] “Oral spore-based probiotic supplementation was associated with reduced incidence of post-prandial
dietary endotoxin, triglycerides, and disease risk biomarkers.” Aug. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pmc/articles/PMC5561432/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
HOW TO TAKE
If you begin using a new probiotic supplement and find that you devel-
op digestive symptoms, such as bloating or gas, it may not be the right
probiotic for you. Alternatively, it may be the right probiotic, but you
may need to start at a lesser amount.
In this case, start by taking a miniscule amount. Open the capsule, dip
your finger in, and try just a tiny little bit. If this small amount triggers
digestive symptoms, then it’s probably best to try a different strain.
However, if the finger tip dose does not create any negative symptoms,
you can very gradually increase the amount you consume until you
have reached the indicated dosage on the product label.
The best time to take probiotic supplements is shortly (15-30 min) before
food. It is also recommended to drink a glass of water first. Your stomach
is highly acidic, so water helps to dilute the acid and help the bugs survive.
BENEFITS OF PREBIOTICS
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that the human body can't digest.
Instead, they pass through the digestive system to the colon, where
they're fermented by the gut microbiota. This fermentation process
produces short-chain fatty acids, which nourish the gut lining and
support overall gut health.
But the benefits of prebiotics extend beyond the gut. Research suggests
that they can also help regulate appetite and weight, improve blood
sugar control, and support bone health by enhancing the absorption of
calcium and other minerals.
⭐ Beans ⭐ Lentils
⭐ Leeks ⭐ Red kidney beans
⭐ Asparagus ⭐ Watermelon
⭐ Cabbage ⭐ Nectarines
⭐ Chicory ⭐ Grapefruit
⭐ Jerusalem Artichokes ⭐ Dates
⭐ Garlic ⭐ Figs
⭐ Onions ⭐ Cashews
⭐ Chickpeas ⭐ Pistachio nuts
Try Now
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own as your
body adjusts to the supplement. However, if the side effects persist
or are severe, it's best to stop taking the supplement and consult a
healthcare professional.
[27] “Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of Fermented Plant Foods.” Apr. 2021, https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8147091/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[28] “Cabbage and fermented vegetables: From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates
for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19.” Mar. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC7436771/ . Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
[29] “Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties of Fermented Plant Foods.” Apr. 2021, https://
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8147091/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[30] “Fermented foods and probiotics: An approach to lactose intolerance.” Aug. 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/34425920/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[31] “Association Between Consumption of Fermented Food and Food-Derived Prebiotics With Cognitive
Performance, Depressive, and Anxiety Symptoms in Psychiatrically Healthy Medical Students Under
Psychological Stress: A Prospective Cohort Study.” Mar. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC8929173/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
[32] “The Influence of the Gut Microbiome on Obesity in Adults and the Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and
Synbiotics for Weight Loss.” Ju. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7333005/. Accessed
6 Aug. 2023.
[33] “Discovery of novel sources of vitamin b(12) in traditional korean foods from nutritional surveys of
centenarians.” 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3062981/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
[34] “Fermented Food in Asthma and Respiratory Allergies-Chance or Failure?” Apr. 2022, https://www.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9002914/. Accessed 6 Aug. 2023.
HOW TO TAKE
When incorporating fermented foods into your diet, it's best to start
slow. These foods are rich in probiotics, and consuming too much too
quickly can lead to bloating and digestive discomfort. Start with small
servings and gradually increase as your body adjusts. Those who suffer
from SIBO or histamine intolerance should hold off on ferments until
these symptoms are resolved.
HEALTH BENEFITS
One of the key benefits of polyphenols is
their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants
help protect our cells from damage by free
radicals, unstable molecules that can cause
oxidative stress and contribute to chron-
ic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and
dementia.
[35] “Dietary Polyphenol, Gut Microbiota, and Health Benefits.” Jun. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
articles/PMC9220293/. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.
[36] “Polyphenols in Food: Cancer Prevention and Apoptosis Induction.” 2018, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/28990504/. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.
[37] “Dietary polyphenols suppress chronic inflammation by modulation of multiple inflammation-associated
cell signaling pathways.” Jul. 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33794330/. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.
[38] “Polyphenols and their effects on diabetes management: A review.” Dec. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/pmc/articles/PMC6014790/#:~:text=The%20possible%20mechanisms%20include%20decrease,tis-
sues%2C%20modulation%20of%20intracellular%20signaling. Accessed 7 Aug. 2023.
⭐ Reduces inflammation
⭐ Combats oxidative stress
⭐ Feeds the gut microbiome
⭐ Lowers blood sugar levels
⭐ Lowers your risk of heart disease
⭐ Fights against cancer
⭐ Promotes good gut health
⭐ Improves brain health and cognitive function
HOW TO INCORPORATE MORE
POLYPHENOLS INTO YOUR DIET
Fortunately, polyphenols are found in a wide variety of delicious foods
and beverages. Berries, cherries, plums, and black grapes are particu-
larly rich in polyphenols. So are green tea, red wine, dark chocolate, and
extra virgin olive oil.
[39] "Role of dietary polyphenols on gut microbiota, their metabolites and health benefits." Apr. 2021, https://
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773665/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2023.
Anti-
inflammatory Grapes, berries,
Resveratrol Improve gut acai
barrier function
Dark-colored fruits
& vegetables
Anthocyanins Prebiotic blueberries,
blackberries, red
cabbage
Anti-
Strawberries, rasp-
inflammatory
Ellagic acid berries, pomegran-
Prebiotic
ates, walnuts
Antioxidant
Antioxidant
Tyrosol and Anti- Olives and extra
hydroxytyrosol inflammatory virgin olive oil
Prebiotic
Cruciferous veg-
etables, such as
broccoli, cauliflow-
Anticancer Anti- er, cabbage, kale,
Glucosinolates inflammatory bok choy, rocket,
Brussel sprouts,
watercress, &
radishes
Anti- Turmeric
Curcumin inflammatory (Curcuma longa)
[40] “Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review.” Jan. 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pmc/articles/PMC9862683/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[41] “L-glutamine supplementation improves upper airways immune response in sedentary and physically
active elderly.” 2020, https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/56/suppl_64/897. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
L-glutamine also has a range of benefits that extend beyond the gut,
including:
Try Now
[42] “Glycyl-L-glutamine injected centrally suppresses alcohol drinking in P rats.” 1998, https://pubmed.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/9665311/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[43] “Glutamine supplementation favors weight loss in nondieting obese female patients.” Nov. 2014, https://
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25226827/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[44] “Role of Glutamine in Protection of Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junctions.” Jan. 2012, https://www.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369670/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[45] “Influence of enteral glutamine on inflammatory and hormonal response in patients with rectal can-
cer during preoperative radiochemotherapy.” May, 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28272402/.
Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[46] “Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Muscular Damage Biomarkers in Professional Basketball
Players.” Jun. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8234492/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
DOSE
The appropriate dose of L-glutamine can vary depending on individual
health needs. However, a typical dose for supporting gut health is
between 5 to 10 grams per day. It's often recommended to start with a
lower dose and gradually increase as your body adjusts.
When you take a bite of a bitter food or herb, the bitter receptors on
your tongue, stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas spring into action,
kick-starting the production of digestive juices like stomach acid, bile,
and enzymes. These juices break down food and assist in nutrient
absorption. The bitter taste that sets all this in motion is thanks to a
cocktail of chemical constituents, including volatile oils, alkaloids, and
sesquiterpene lactones.
HOW BITTERS
WORK
Bitters are rich in compounds, such as terpenes and alkaloids, that
trigger a response in the bitter receptors in the back of the tongue. This
bitter taste sends a signal to your brain, which then sends a message to
your gut saying, "It's time to get to work!"
[47] “Effects of Bitter Substances on GI Function, Energy Intake and Glycaemia-Do Preclinical Findings
Translate to Outcomes in Humans?” Apr. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072924/.
Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
BITTER FOODS:
To make your very own bitter tonic, you’ll need just some basic equip-
ment along with the ingredients of your choosing. The only equipment
you will need is a jar with a tight-fitting lid to store your infusion and
a fine-mesh strainer for filtering the herbs when it’s ready.
For more convenient storage, you may wish to invest in dropper bottles
and a funnel for transferring your infusion into them.
Bitter herbs:
[48] “How bitter taste influences nutrition and health in primary care.” Jul. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/pmc/articles/PMC7567205/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
They're the behind-the-scenes workers that break down the food you
eat into smaller, absorbable components so that they can be transport-
ed to the liver and from there to other parts of the body.
Digestive enzymes are essential for digestion, but their functions and
benefits do not end there — they regulate your every metabolic func-
tion, including boosting endurance and increasing nutrient absorption.
Supplementation of digestive enzymes has also been extensively used
to treat metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, intestinal disorders, and
inflammation.50
🔥 Food intolerances
🔥 Leaky gut
🔥 Bacterial overgrowth
55 THE BEST NATURAL REMEDIES FOR GUT HEALTH
🔥 Candida infection
🔥 Helicobacter pylori infection
🔥 Ageing
🔥 Low stomach acid
🔥 Stress
🔥 Antacids
SYMPTOMS OF LOW DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
If you’re unsure of whether you suffer from low digestive enzymes,
here are some common symptoms:
Not only do you need to eat a nutrient-dense diet to ensure you are
getting the right nutrients your body needs to produce your digestive
enzymes, but it’s also good to eat a balance of raw and cooked food.
In order to make enzymes, our body needs protein and zinc. Some
good plant-based sources of protein include quinoa, legumes, nuts and
seeds. Aim for a palm-sized portion of protein at each meal.
Some great plant-based foods rich in zinc include nuts and seeds
(especially brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pine nuts, walnuts,
sesame seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds), vegetables
(such as sundried tomatoes, green peas, garlic, spinach and mush-
rooms), quinoa and legumes (especially chickpeas and soybeans).
Eat the leaves of bitter herbs that promote digestion, including dan-
delion leaves, rocket and peppermint, as this will help to stimulate
digestive enzyme secretion.
7. Try fasting
Try not to snack between meals or try intermittent fasting such as the
5:2 diet or the 16:8 diet. When your body is in a state of fasting, your
When you are stressed and your body switches to your “fight or flight”
response, bodily processes are temporarily halted so your body can
deal with the stress at hand. This means that there is a decrease in
the production of digestive enzymes. It becomes a real problem when
the stress is prolonged as digestion becomes increasingly impaired.
Learning how to manage your stress through practices such as medi-
tation, journaling, getting out in nature, and exercising is essential to
reducing your “fight or flight” response and making sure your body’s
production of digestive enzymes is not impaired.
[51] “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders.” Mar. 2018,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859128/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
The vagal efferents (messages from our brain to our gut that travel
along the vagus nerve), together with hormones such as peptide cho-
lecystokinin, ghrelin, and leptin determine the rate of absorption,
storage, and utilization of nutrients. It is therefore a crucial regulator of
appetite and also how much of the healthy food we eat actually benefits
us.55
⭐ Immune System
The vagus nerve modulates the immune response and sends anti-in-
flammatory signals to other parts of the body through three pathways,
including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA Axis), which
determines the body’s response to stress; the vago-splenic pathway,
which stimulates the release of noradrenaline and acetylcholine; and
the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which prompts the release
of acetylcholine to inhibit inflammatory molecules.56
[55] “Vagal Control of Satiety and Hormonal Regulation of Appetite.” 2011, https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/
view.html?doi=10.5056/jnm.2011.17.4.338. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[56] “A distinct vagal anti-inflammatory pathway modulates intestinal muscularis resident macrophages
independent of the spleen.” Jun. 2014, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23929694/. Accessed 8 Aug.
2023.
However, there are natural ways of stimulating your vagus nerve and
achieving the consequent results. Try some (or all!) of the following
methods, and reap the benefits!
[57] “A review of vagus nerve stimulation as a therapeutic intervention.” May 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/pmc/articles/PMC5961632/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
Yoga and gentle exercises have been proven to boost the vagus nerve
by working through the calming part of our nervous system, called the
parasympathetic system. One specific meditation technique, called
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), really gives the vagus nerve a wake-up
call. It does all sorts of things like changing how your heart beats,
making your thinking sharper, and even improving how your digestive
system works. 59
[58] “Influence of cold water face immersion on post-exercise parasympathetic reactivation.” Oct. 2009,
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-009-1253-9. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[59] “Breathing for health.” Jan-Jun. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573542/. Accessed
8 Aug. 2023.
The cool thing about yoga is that it's super easy to try at home using
online guides or by joining local classes. So, don't miss out on the
chance to give it a go!
[60] “A Breathing-Based Meditation Intervention for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Following
Inadequate Response to Antidepressants: A Randomized Pilot Study.” Jan. 2017, https://www.psychiatrist.
com/jcp/depression/adjunctive-yoga-for-mdd/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
If stress activates the fight or flight response, deep breathing is the re-
verse of that process. Stress causes shallow and fast breathing. A series
of deep breaths informs your body you are not in danger and stimulates
the vagus nerve. This, in turn, activates the parasympathetic nervous
system and tells your brain it is time to rest and digest. The best way to
do that is to actively visualize your diaphragm and the muscles between
your ribs expanding with your breath and contracting when exhaling.
4. SOCIAL CONNECTION
[61] “Observing the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Meditation on Anxiety and Depression in Chronic Pain
Patients.” Sep. 2015, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26417764/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[62] “How positive emotions build physical health: perceived positive social connections account for the
upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone.” May 2013, https://journals.sagepub.com/
doi/10.1177/0956797612470827. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
Singing, humming, and chanting have been group favorites for ages.
People have been doing them since way back, and they're part of our
traditions and cultures. They're not just fun – they actually wake up
the vagus nerve by moving muscles in the throat, neck, and lungs.
The vagus nerve passes through the vocal cords and the inner ear, and
the vibrations that singing produces are a simple way to activate the
vagus nerve.
6. PROBIOTICS
The vagus nerve and the nerves in your digestive system are closely
linked, and more and more evidence shows that if your gut's bacteria
balance is off, it can mess with how the vagus nerve works.63
[63] “Resting vagal activity in schizophrenia: meta-analysis of heart rate variability as a potential endophe-
notype.” Jan. 2018, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/
resting-vagal-activity-in-schizophrenia-metaanalysis-of-heart-rate-variability-as-a-potential-endopheno-
type/7A76D9F7D23BD889E7CA39A98CE42A66. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
[64] “Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in
a mouse via the vagus nerve.” Aug. 2011, https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1102999108. Accessed
8 Aug. 2023.
For the vagus nerve to effectively convey its messages, it relies on its
primary messenger, acetylcholine (ACh). But ACh does more than
that – it can also calm down inflammation-causing agents (known
as cytokines) that are linked to issues like long COVID and overall
inflammation. Plus, ACh helps with memory and focus.
Here's where choline, a helpful amino acid, enters the scene. Choline
acts as a building block for ACh, making sure it's ready for action.
Think of it as setting up the stage for a big show. And there's even
more: studies on animals show that choline not only helps with heart
health by making the vagus nerve work better but also has a hand in
muscle control, memory, and even managing emotions and behavior
in the brain. It's like choline is part of the essential cast for a healthy
nervous system.
Here are some delicious ingredients that you can include in your diet:
⭐ Shiitake mushrooms
⭐ Soybeans
⭐ Wheat Germ
⭐ Cauliflower
⭐ Broccoli
⭐ Brussels sprouts
⭐ Almonds
Serves 3-4.
INGREDIENTS:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with
parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, mirin, soy sauce,
erythritol, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic to create the miso glaze.
3. Brush each eggplant slice with the miso glaze, ensuring both
sides are well coated.
4. Arrange the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet and
bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
5. Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool slightly.
To serve:
Chamomile-
Infused Chia
Pudding
Enjoy a soothing and delicious treat
with this Chamomile-Infused Chia
Pudding. The calming properties
of chamomile tea combined with
the fiber-rich chia seeds create a
delightful and easy-to-make pudding
that promotes healthy digestion.
Chamomile is a well-known natural
remedy for digestive issues, as it con-
tains compounds that help relax the
muscles in the digestive tract, reduc-
ing gas and bloating. The chia seeds
in this recipe are an excellent source
of fiber, which promotes healthy di-
gestion and prevents constipation.
INGREDIENTS:
This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own, and it's
sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Serves 2.
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS:
But that's not all! This salad also features bitter arugula and radish,
which helps to stimulate digestion and improve bowel movements by
kickstarting the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes.
So go ahead and enjoy your delicious salad, knowing that you're doing
your bowels some serious good.
Serves 2.
Or
If you or a loved one are struggling with one of the big ones: diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease...
You’ll learn how simple lifestyle shifts can result in significant health gains.
Turn information into action – don’t just live longer; live healthier.