The brain and the gut are neurologically and biochemically connected via millions of nerves and the trillions of microbes that populate the intestines. Known as the gut-brain axis, this communication network between the two systems is vast and complex. Although scientists have known about this axis for some time, the assumption was that the gut needed the brain in order to function. Only recently has science given the gut its due credit in this relationship. Using advanced diagnostics, researchers are learning that the gut microbiome can influence certain physiological processes in the brain. Our microbiome can affect how we think and function--cognition, memory, motor control--for better or worse.
Of the 20,000 or so scientific papers published about gut health in the last twenty years, hundreds have focused on brain health in the past two years alone. More and more, poor gut health is being linked to a decline in brain health, opening up possibilities for exciting new and effective treatments to prevent and even help to heal disease states associated with poor brain health. Much of the research is focused on three leading causes of neurodegeneration that doctors have been struggling to treat effectively: stroke, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. Much of the recent research highlights the connection between well-known risk factors for these disorders--including genetics, environmental toxins, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease--and poor gut health, reinforcing that the connection between gut and brain health we're seeing isn't coincidental.
While this research is becoming more and more accepted in academic circles, it has yet to reach mainstream medicine. Most neurologists are not treating neurodegeneration by considering the gut. Although most gastroenterologists find the research interesting, few are applying it in their practice.
As a gastroenterologist with a personal and professional interest in understanding the role the gut plays in brain health and in employing targeted treatments that can prevent cognitive decline, Dr. Nandi is poised to deliver this information to consumers. Heal Your Gut, Save Your Brain explains the emerging science, including the pathophysiology between the gut and these disorders, in lay terms. It also shows readers how simple changes to improve gut health--most of which are not currently part of a neurologist's standard treatment protocol--can help them to
▪ achieve excellent brain health;
▪ preserve brain health to help prevent neurological disease; and
▪ dramatically improve recovery from devastating neurological disorders such as: stroke, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's