functional medicine

⁣When we think about health, we often separate physical and mental well-being! However, emerging research from the Journal of Clinical Medicine reveals a fascinating connection between our gut and brain, known as the “Gut-Brain Axis”. Understanding this link unlocks new pathways to enhancing digestive health and mental well-being. Let's dive into the vibrant world of the Gut-Brain Axis and discover how nurturing your gut can lead to a happier, healthier mind!

The Gut-Brain Connection

The Gut-Brain Axis is a complex communication network that links your digestive system and brain. This connection involves intricate signaling pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormones, and the microbiome (the trillions of bacteria residing in your gut!). Here's how this dynamic relationship works:

⁣Neural Pathways: The vagus nerve is a major highway for signals between the gut and brain. It plays a crucial role in transmitting information about the state of your gut to your brain and vice versa.

⁣Hormonal Signals: Hormones like serotonin, often called the "happy hormone," are primarily produced in the gut. These hormones influence mood, appetite, and overall mental health.

⁣Microbiome Influence: Your gut bacteria produce various compounds that can impact brain function. A balanced microbiome contributes to better mood regulation and cognitive function.

The Impact of Gut Health on Mental Well-being

⁣A healthy gut can profoundly influence your mental well-being. Here are some ways in which your digestive health impacts your mind:

⁣Mood Regulation: A thriving microbiome supports the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood and combat stress and anxiety.

⁣Cognitive Function: Nutrient absorption in the gut is vital for brain health. Proper digestion ensures your brain gets the nutrients it needs to function optimally, enhancing memory, focus, and clarity.

⁣Stress Response: A balanced gut can help regulate the stress response, reducing the impact of chronic stress on your mental health.

⁣Tips for Nurturing Your Gut-Brain Axis

⁣Taking care of your gut is a powerful way to boost your mental well-being! Based upon recent research from an Integrative Medicine journal article, here are some practical and positive steps to support your gut-brain axis:

⁣Eat a Diverse Diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Fiber-rich foods promote a healthy microbiome.

⁣Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can enhance your gut health. Prebiotics are foods that feed these good bacteria. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and fiber-rich foods like garlic and onions are great choices.

⁣Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and nutrient absorption, keeping your gut in top shape.

⁣Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. A calm mind supports a healthy gut.

⁣Get Moving: Regular physical activity promotes healthy digestion and positively influences your gut microbiome.

⁣The gut-brain axis highlights the incredible interplay between our Digestive Health and mental well-being. By nurturing your gut with a balanced diet, hydration, stress management, and regular exercise, you can foster a healthier, happier mind. Embrace these positive changes and experience the transformative power of the gut-brain connection!

⁣While this article may be utilized as researched suggestions for healthy living, always consult a healthcare provider. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or are ready to start a natural approach to your lifestyle, Call Dr. Branham today! Check out our Facebook page for more client testimonials!

Many patients experience low thyroid symptoms long before they are diagnosed with thyroid disease.

This is because the medical field uses lab averages as the standard for what’s considered “normal” bloodwork.

Lab averages are based on the average ranges of people who get their blood work done.

The problem with using lab averages is that it’s typically people who are sick that are getting their blood work done...

so if you are in the “normal range,” it just means that you are in the same range as other people who are sick.

At Premier Health Care, we use functional lab ranges, which are based on healthy people - which is why our patients finally start to feel better once they start our treatment plan.

To learn more about our approach, click here to download my free Natural Approach Series, in which I explain the causes and treatment of thyroid conditions.

To see if you qualify for a free consultation, call 314-647-1384.

⁣Did you know that grass fed beef is significantly better for you than grain fed beef? Unless it specifically states grass fed, the beef you’re getting at the grocery store is corn fed. Neither the human body nor the cow’s body are designed to digest corn.

Feeding cattle on corn fundamentally changes the meat they produce, greatly increasing levels of unhealthy Omega-6 fatty acids and decreasing levels of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

Grass fed beef is higher in vitamins A, E, and other antioxidants; and also has significantly lower levels of saturated fat than grain fed beef.

While grass fed beef is much more expensive at the store, you can save greatly by purchasing from a local farmer.

If you’re in the St. Louis area, I highly recommend Daniel Morgan for ethically raised grass fed beef at a great price and free delivery. You can contact him at 660-676-8868 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more about the effects of the Standard American Diet on the body, download my free Natural Approach to Digestive Disorders Series here, or call my office at 314-647-1384.

Most patients come to me with a blood sugar problem, toxic liver, and inflammation.

When you’re eating food that contains toxins at every meal, your liver can’t keep up with filtering out everything it’s supposed to, which creates a domino effect of health issues over time.

The Standard American Diet is very toxic, which is why I start just about every patient with a liver cleanse.

I put them on a clean, non-inflammatory diet along with natural products that take the patient through a detox. This detox cleans out the liver, blood, and digestive system; and sets the stage for the next phase of treatment so that the patient can achieve maximum results from everything we do going forward.

During a liver cleanse, almost every patient reports back that they have more energy than they’ve had in years, are sleeping better, having regular bowel movements, and lessening of the symptoms they initially came to see me about.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the food you put into your body - it is ALL connected; and if your liver isn’t working properly, eventually nothing will be working properly.

If you’d like to learn more about how highly refined foods impact your health, I go more in depth on the subject here.

If you'd like to see if you qualify for a free consultation, give our office a call at 314-647-1384.