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BRAIN HEALTH #7: BRAIN-GUT INTERACTIONS- In the last 15 years, scientists have discovered the importance of the 14 trillion bacteria in your gut called the Microbiome to human health – not only in the gut but in other organs including the immune system and the brain. There are about 1000 different bacterial species in your intestines and they digest foods and nutrients that your body does not – including soluble fiber and Phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables. Many of the substances produced by the bacteria are very small molecules that can be transported into the brain through the blood stream or the nervous system. Many signals from the gut to the brain travel through nerves such as the Vagus nerve. In fact, 90% of the nerves between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract carry messages from the gut to the brain. The timing of meals provides signals to the Master Clock in the brain to coordinate the activities of 100 other biological clocks in organs including the liver and kidneys to synchronize the actions of different organs in metabolizing foods to energy. The Microbiome is stable for long periods of time and interacts with the immune cells around the small intestines. 70% of the immune system is located around the intestines. Eating a high fat,high sugar diet leading to excess fat around the intestines and an unbalanced Microbiome (called dysbiosis) can promote inflammation which is a primary factor in premature aging of the brain and dementia. Balanced Nutrition and a Healthy Active Lifestyle can maintain a stable Microbiome and Brain. Eat at regular times each day and provide the Protein your brain needs with Protein-Rich Shakes and a variety of Colorful Fruits and Vegetables to maintain a healthy Brain-Gut Interaction!! Next time I will discuss Exercise and the Brain, so stay tuned!!! #drdavidheber #gut #microbiology #brain #immunity #inflammation to learn more go to www.drdavidheber.com and www.herbalifenutritioninstitute.com

A post shared by Dr. David Heber (@drdavidheber) on Mar 19, 2018 at 7:11am PDT