Let's Ask Better Questions About Brain Health
What a crazy week it's been already, eh?
Socials are blowing up with stories about the Super Bowl...
Kendrick's performance and speculations on the symbology...
On top of political debates about illegal government funding...
It's a LOT!
But despite the hoopla of mainstream chats, the ONE thing that's had my attention the most is the research emerging about something scientists had only ever dismissed.
NOW we have proof!
The human brain has it's OWN microbiome. [1]
Yes, I'm a geek when it comes to stuff like this.
Back when I was a personal trainer, my clients would joke with me...
"Do you stay awake at night and think about all of this?"
Yes.
Yes, I do.
The human body is SO incredibly intelligent.
There's never a dull moment in learning about it!
So back to this emerging research and WHY we should ALL be paying more attention to it...
For many years, scientists assumed that any hint of bacteria or fungi found in the brain was caused by contamination.
They believed the brain was a 'sterile' environment.
I believe this is due in part to one of the MAIN pillars of the modern medical system:
Louis Pasteur's research of 'Germ Theory.'
Pasteur's work saved many lives in HIS time.
But the all out WAR on germs that it sparked, for over a century now, has caused some SERIOUS long term damage to our overall health.
We now know that antibiotic use has been linked to depression. [2]
We now know that antibiotic use has been linked to major disruptions in gut health. [3]
We now know that antibiotic use has been linked to yeast infections. [4]
We now know that an overuse of antibiotics can lead to a surge in 'resistant' bugs that are stronger and more powerful in fighting back against treatment. [5]
We now know that overuse of antibiotics can increase your risk of some cancers. [6]
And we now know that the microbiome DEPENDS on a diverse balance of bacteria, fungi, and yes, even viruses, to be healthy.
These bugs help our cells communicate, feed on excess toxins, support break down of nutrients, promote optimal immunity, and many more functions that I'm sure we're about to discover very soon.
While Germ Theory supported the evidence of proper hygiene as a major factor in health at THAT time, the theory as a LITERAL practice is wreaking havoc on our overall health at THIS time.
Hence the reason you will see many of us Crunchy Girls talking about Terrain Theory instead.
It's a way of bringing balance BACK to the terrain of our microbiome through food and connection to nature for optimal health.
As opposed to being afraid of, and trying to sanitize, it all.
Without a healthy BALANCE of bugs, everything is 'off.'
And that includes your brain!
Balance is EVERYTHING.
And one of the fastest, most direct, ways to support your brain's microbiome balance is through your mouth.
Taking care of the oral microbiome will not only support the health of your teeth, it supports your immunity, your digestion and yes, even your brain health.
So, instead of waging a war on your mouth bugs, try supporting the good ones instead. Eating clean foods to support a proper oral pH. Avoiding heavily acidic foods. Staying away from sodas, alcohol, energy drinks, and ultra-processed foods.
Then, create a healthier oral care routine.
-Remove chemical mouthwashes that kill literally everything.
Move toward oral rinses that contain coconut oil, neem, and/or tea tree oil to support a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal effect. I'm a fan of straight coconut oil.
-Ditch your standard toothpaste. They're filled with fluoride and dangerous preservatives that cross the blood-brain barrier, plant themselves in your brain, and create cognitive and neurological damage.
Try a toothpaste tablet or tooth powder that uses bentonite clay, baking soda, charcoal, and/or cloves for a naturally refreshing and cleansing experience.
-And last but not least, replace your tooth brush AND tooth floss!
Most recyclable or recycled versions are made with plastic. Just because it's 'made with recycled plastic bottles' doesn't mean it's good for INSIDE your body.
By using plastic bristles and floss, you are literally depositing microplastics into your gums...and into your brain...with every use!
Recent evidence also shows that the average human now has 1 WHOLE plastic spoon's worth of microplastics IN their brain. [7]
Try a tooth brush made with castor bean bristles instead.
Not only is it healthier for you, you can quite literally compost the entire thing. Handle AND the bristles included!
And for your floss, try a bamboo version. Plastic-free, sustainably grown. Better for you and the environment.
These tiny changes can make a WORLD of difference in your oral and brain health.
While they may SEEM like small changes, really, it all adds up.
If you're a science geek and love to read the research, scroll down for ALL the links.
If not, and you're ready to chuck out all the toxic oral products from your life, click the link to get started.
Oral health IS brain health.
And it's SO much more than just brushing and flossing the food and stains away.
Here's to loving your brain in a whole new way!
References:
1. https://www.frontiersin.org/
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/
4. https://www.healthline.com/
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.