You Have 3 Brains!
Gut-Heart-Brain

Modern research has shown that the microbiome, the vast network of microorganisms cohabiting our bodies, influences much more than digestion. There are connections to immunity, cognition and memory, heart health, skin health and more. The brain and the heart in particular are so closely linked to gut function and health that your gut-heart-brain have been dubbed “the three brains.” Let’s look at the connection between, your three brains.

Did you know that your brain is home to 85 billion neurons? What may be more surprising is that 50 million neurons are found in your gut and an additional 40,000 in your heart. We are only beginning to discover how deep the connection is between the brain and gut but increasing evidence has shown that the gut microbiome plays a role in the brain and spinal cord through multiple pathways including the immune system. Interestingly the immune system influences the brain through its role in managing inflammation. An imbalance in the microbiome can cause inflammation.

Gut-Brain

Research has shown the gut microbiome affects a range of neurogenerative processes. It is involved in forming the blood-brain barrier, developing new neurons and conducting brain signals more efficiently, and supports the maturing of certain immune cells in the central nervous system. This gut-brain connection is referred to as the gut-brain axis and may be thought of as an ever-changing vast network of neurons that work in synergy.

There has been shown to be an association between gut microflora and certain mood disorders, as well as cognitive processes (learning and memory). In addition, the gut microbiome affects the early development of normal social and cognitive behaviors and in later life affects brain elasticity. Fifty percent of dopamine and 90% of serotonin are found in the gut. These two neurotransmitters are mood and behavior regulators; therefore, a healthy microflora population is integral to mental wellness. In addition to the gut influencing the brain profoundly, the reverse is also true. For instance, stress can disrupt normal microbial health in the digestive tract.

Gut-Heart

The link between the gut microbiome and heart is very interesting. Fifty percent or more of all heart attacks occur in people without any traditional risk factors. Instead, the causes are an overproduction of stress hormones combined with chronic inflammation. “Broken-heart syndrome” is an example of this. The catecholamines such as adrenalin can damage the heart muscle. Also, there are metabolites of gut-generated microbes that the body converts into substances that can lead to cardiovascular issues. One, trimethylamine, is converted into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver and this compound is linked to arterial hardening. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that people with the highest TMAO levels were 62% more prone to major cardiovascular issues than those with the lowest levels, regardless of whether they had other classic risk factors for heart problems.

Another study from Europe found that women with atherosclerosis have lower gut microbial diversity. Women with gut dysbiosis were at an increased risk for arterial hardening and the microbiome caused 8% of that hardening. Short chain fatty acids such as butyrates have been shown to influence the widening and tightening of blood vessels, thereby helping modulate blood pressure.

Heart-Brain

A fascinating connection between the heart and brain was initially noticed by scientists due to the personality changes that many heart transplant patients experienced. Characteristics and personality of the organ’s donor were taken on by many recipients. Recent research has also shown that the messages the heart sends the brain can affect our mental processes and feelings in many ways.

Natural Factors, one of our favorite companies, (see below) has devoted an entire product line and much research to the 3 Brains. According to the company, “Three Brains is a line of supplements designed to support the critical relationship between our head, heart and gut. Together, these three “brains” influence our mental health and cognition.”
• Higher Thoughts is a unique combination of antioxidants, phospholipids, and omega-3 fatty acids specifically formulated to optimize cognitive and cardiovascular health.

• Brain Defense supports memory, cognition, brain function and cardiovascular health by supporting healthy cortisol and C-reactive protein levels already within the normal range. These are the biomarkers of physical stress and signs of everyday stress such as fatigue, occasional sleeplessness, irritability, mild memory loss and temporary difficulties concentrating. It also supports an acute healthy inflammatory response for a healthy head, heart and gut.

• The Best-Sleep combines five non-habit-forming natural ingredients that have been traditionally used by herbalists as mild sleep aids, especially in cases of restlessness or occasional sleeplessness due to everyday mental stress. The ingredients in this unique formula also have an analgesic effect that further promotes relaxed and restful sleep.

A Few of the Reasons Why We Love Natural Factors

ORGANIC & NON-GMO:

• Certified organic Factors Farms in Okanagan Valley, BC.
• No pesticides or chemical fertilizers used.
• Soil enriched with compost & nitrogen-rich sea plants.
• Only non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds are used.
• Participation in heirloom seed-saving programs.

SUSTAINABILITY:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold certified production facility.
• Waste reduction & improved energy efficiency (offices & facilities).
• They work with suppliers who are also committed to sustainability.
• They are now carbon neutral!

ISURA VERIFIED CLEAN:

• Non-GMO compliant.
• Free of contaminants & adulterants.
• Authenticated; accurately & inclusively labelled.

---

Back to Blog