Many doctors, like Perlmutter for example advise very little to no grains so one can reach a state of ketosis which is best for the brain.
But then I read other doctors (Like Dr. B, gut MD) and he recommends feeding the colon gut bugs prebiotic fibrous foods to keep the gut bugs happy.
For the seemingly rare people who go to great lengths to implement a diet for optimum gut and brain health, how do you navigate the balance between gut health and brain health optimization?
(And respectfully, I appreciate Dr. Mischley immensely as she is a much needed ally but her understanding of this is very limited)
Interesting points and of course I don't have an answer. I am grain free as I can't tolerate them, which seemed to improve brain function and gut absorption and I eat a good clean diet with as diverse a range of veg and fruit as possible. The interaction of the vagus nerve for gut-brain, brain-gut communication seems so important, so I do exercises to help that. I am part way through Datis Kharrazian's epic tome 'Why Isn't My Brain Working?' - wish I'd had it years ago and would recommend to anyone interested. (He talks of ketosis and the importance of fasting - although this has become more strongly indicated more recently, so not so much in the book, more on his website, lectures etc - but only once blood sugar imbalances have been resolved.) Best wishes
Thank you for the book recommendation. I have just ordered it. When you said that you "do exercise to help with that" how does that relate to the vagus nerve? Can you please elaborate? I really appreciate your help.
Hi, my pleasure and I hope you find it as interesting as I do.
Re. the vagus - I have had an ebook of Datis Kharrazian's called 'The Autoimmune Diet - The gut-brain repair guide' for a couple of years now in which he basically recommends the following (the ebook vagus section is much as you'll find it in his brain book, although the latter has more detail)
(1) gargle every sip of a large glass of water as long and hard as you can, trying to make your eyes water, and do it several times a day if possible, for several weeks. I do at least one glass daily.
(2) sing loudly - I try to vary pitch, sing very softly then really loud, mix it up a bit. Some frequencies give me different sensations, so I sing a good variety, annoyingly often because I've always loved singing! I also hum (easier to do less obviously) and whistle.
(3) He suggests a box of tongue blades to stimulate gag reflex - lay on back of tongue and push down (don't jab back of throat). I use the handle of a wooden spoon, a few times a day as convenient.
Gag reflexes are like doing push-ups for the vagus, while gargling and singing are like doing sprints, according to DK. They need to be challenging to make muscles contract and stimulate GI tract.
He also suggests coffee enemas (particularly for those with lack of bowel motility too) which will activate the vagus, but I haven't tried that (yet!).
These can all also support/improve liver function and ability to 'detox' waste products.
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