Wade Lightheart, a co-founder of BiOptimizers, talks about the connection between digestive system and cognitive function. Wade is a 3-time All Natural USA National Bodybuilding Champion and Director of Education at BiOptimizers Nutrition.
Read the other posts in Wade's series on Gut Health and Optimal Brain Performance
We can optimise our brain by boosting digestion. Gut bacteria produce and respond to the same neurotransmitters and chemicals. Without the symbiotic relationship between these guys, you are not going to be able to produce things like GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine and melatonin.
All of these are chemicals and neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognition are dependent on the bacteria, the microflora, the diet that one has, and the ability of bacteria to feed the brain.
Much of the feedback received by the brain from the gastrointestinal tract is mediated by peptides released in the gut in response to the presence of nutrients.
Our team at BiOptimizers has PhDs in the field of biofilm and bacteria who are testing different types of fats, carbs, and foods to understand how they interact with the microbiome, because optimising the gut is absolutely essential to brain performance.
If you want to boost your digestion and your gut, particularly there are some specific probiotic strains that are going to have a nootropic effect. For instance:
Many people who struggle with cognition and performance are often lacking in some of these bacteria strains. A part of my own strategy was to recognise that my diet, which I was previously on, wasn’t supportive of these bacteria. I needed to add some of these cognition supporting probiotics, which also have given me a boost in neurotransmitters.
Next, there are proteolytic probiotics, that literally break down, digest and absorb protein. These can also enhance brain health. These can be a game changer. I have a lot of testimonials of people that have found extraordinary results by adding a proteolytic probiotic into their body.
What you need to do is to improve your microflora and boost proteolysis, which is essentially just converting protein into the amino acids and ultimately to the polypeptide chains that make neurotransmitters in your body.
You need to stimulate your digestive protease peptidase through bio activating bile, and also using things like hydrochloric acid. You need to be able to release exosomes, which are involved in the digestive proteins.
Ultimately, anything that boosts the absorption of peptides and amino acids is going to be a plus for your brain health and function.
Now, we need some practical applications. Try these 5 steps for a definitive effect on your cognitive performance.
Enzymes are microscopic protein molecules that play a key role in the body. They are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions that are responsible for all processes within the body.
Different types of enzymes are needed to break down different macronutrients (fats, proteins and carbs). Whether you are a vegetarian or following a Keto diet, enzymes are crucial for absorbing the meal.
In this post, we talk about the functions of digestive enzymes in the human digestive system, why it is important to use digestive enzyme supplements and how they can assist with a number of gut issues from bloating to IBS and SIBO.
The modern population is stressed more than ever. One of the potential causes is our inability to switch on and switch off between the tasks. Instead, we are constantly on our toes ready to react to something and it's becoming exhausting.
The author, also shares practical advice on how to reduce stress and anxiety by working with our nervous system and getting into parasympathetic mode, in particular.
Christian Baker, a professional speaker and nutritional specialist, is talking about fatigue as the most common reason for dropping the New Year's resolutions within the first week of January.
He shares his top 5 strategies on how to have more energy through diet, exercise and effective daily routine so you can get back on track, achieve the most ambitious goals and make 2021 the most productive year yet.
