{"id":36186,"date":"2025-08-18T18:27:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T22:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatsgood.vitaminshoppe.com\/?p=36186"},"modified":"2025-08-26T15:28:36","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T19:28:36","slug":"gut-health-and-brain-aging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/gut-health-and-brain-aging\/","title":{"rendered":"The Surprising Link Between Gut Health And Brain Aging"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crossword puzzles, memory games, and Sudoku get all the credit for protecting our brains as we age\u2014but emerging<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2950307825000244\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">suggests there’s a far less <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heady<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> player in long-term brain health: your gut.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOur brains and gut are deeply connected,\u201d says <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certified nutritionist and personal trainer<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lisa Schultz<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, C.N., C.P.T., creator of the<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Verdura Method<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> f<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or healthier eating.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cIt\u2019s wild once you understand just how connected they are.\u201d Case in point: A<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0June 2025 review published in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pdf.sciencedirectassets.com\/784987\/1-s2.0-S2950307825X00023\/1-s2.0-S2950307825000244\/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEC0aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJGMEQCIANvtr%2BdJLtWDsXPMkhZNjpPuvCFRbbxDeu4nohInk7GAiByS8EekkbGMqHFbytMRyoDKNX6oBYkU697fZnqJy%2FvUiqyBQhFEAUaDDA1OTAwMzU0Njg2NSIMO85%2B6Q6%2Ff5YOqG59Ko8FdoAqYj3N2hrd1MD7PHo15R%2FrKXqFCY2cxeDWwJGzsix6JP%2BCKCgcFFm0fmn6GVac6vUzf9MHG1cRAt6KdKJkczxoXyaB6aESD0AOXavXFzKdDLVJMPmZ07rrZjf0wJUdybwPjlZjstHW0SfXZGcFm75A4iVVN%2FucJBp%2FM5I%2FbcNwbi9ineyno%2BIGpruEwijRa4x9hxaWFzoxiSqp09WaKO4qDYUrMMri4%2FfCWnhOXGn0rSpvM8vr46E4yAXaqCSYxOvueztQp1IPGQJ7GJozCyzthZqUN%2F594773ensbXH%2FOA63Pm0W3XkyFE1PJP9rTyv9O9h%2F3TtQELs3mZUgNmG0Wj7IQwfysOHOaj98nXwTPwZaer0vz%2FJmmgKDuyRN9l76rYI5NCtGwrlu%2BAHrKJL4qWrYUpPF5ty09iUMsSWG2NInlReMmqrTiPz%2BY7mz0Mijjsu17v9Ntuuwq0F%2FFfzWjqhISJjjojUdQuj2YaQv4mNos2%2FqZtQ2fwM%2FZUqMXixpwLecd18V%2B5Pa%2F2MaKpi0gAr0AtDx3YlAI4wRNNzs3FkE4dl6DMlpneyqwlf8lsKsvfBPWbigBvpo44m%2B1JGLy11Uoo7KaaUX2Iu4Rd2Zwbhdj34AbgEbWul6noGbCt3WXWSExLEPM76oBYbniedC00BYatV%2BxqXz7VynzG8FcHqTIsJPo5SUk8jG28oELcvCW7aSG5yJY5XRhzDPrGmRqU9dt2HHXD%2B2aW5byoU58MMGJkZC%2FDjOmq2bdpgnmIlLiF0XraCL%2FKVvP4IgbrVaIltpNEvgBhTbZ3cLc%2Fippos2h4Bk7LpBkIvzCHtYPBbANVlqbMpsdF07HTqGDW%2BfsDK%2BDQ8p0qxcOCWfMADDPidnDBjqyAY7IReTWDxlprMgFcmKcRTK7h0rZFGUC1hTdal%2FukBmfW3dt9h1SPGkkrstB9v6uCEeAxDZrnFFGZLV5mEVVylRfnGvjAL0DxBm7t29heg71T5VCmDsnO6k9wuXBXiOgy3oyqwW9lZhHxnjNsOJO0LaiSdGUnrxR9x36x%2BfSsdpnlF4EOhnCHQAr09M2h1x5V5h3jaeHg7ax5%2FV7UFC4gfPR1SoD26%2B9S9GfWGTvXOcRLJk%3D&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20250715T123921Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYYWRBZ24N%2F20250715%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=dfaa410317527bac8322c000fb651fffdedc78a804df00f94a029c03ce2ce1f2&hash=28610d48c373d4f13a0106c4a0db7f068163e17b162e5e46cf433e4ddadf1842&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S2950307825000244&tid=spdf-aab5ae5f-5764-42fa-a8f3-3d4fb76f96e9&sid=ee062cc9403d294cab1bbd71f682685afa2cgxrqa&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&rh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=0f155c560156555059535d&rr=95f952763c2ec792&cc=us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that as we age, changes in gut health\u2014specifically increased gut imbalances and immune system activity\u2014may contribute to a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s. The researchers concluded that supporting a healthy gut environment is one of the <em>most<\/em> effective ways to protect brain function and preserve cognitive health over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how exactly does your gut influence your brain, and how can you preserve both? Let’s explore.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em><strong>ABOUT OUR EXPERTS: <\/strong><\/em><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/itslisaschultz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lisa Schultz<\/a>, C.N., C.P.T., is a certified nutritionist, personal trainer, and creator of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verduramethod.com\/the-method\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Verdura Method<\/a> for healthier eating. <a href=\"https:\/\/wholeisticliving.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jenna Volpe<\/a>, R.D.N., L.D., C.L.T., is a functional registered dietitian and founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/wholeisticliving.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Whole-istic Living.<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>The Gut-Brain Connection, Explained\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Though you’ve probably heard of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/gut-brain-connection-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gut-brain connection<\/a> by now, it can still be a pretty fuzzy concept. Here’s the deal: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The gut and brain are connected through a two-way communication system known as the gut-brain axis, explains Schultz. This complex network consists of nerves (mainly the vagus nerve), hormones, immune messengers (called cytokines), and the trillions of bacteria in your digestive tract, all of which work together around the clock to keep your system in sync, she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThis unique connection allows for our gut and digestive system to impact our nervous system and brain function\u2014and vice versa,\u201d says <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">holistic and functional registered dietitian <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jenna Volpe<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, R.D.N., L.D., C.L.T., founder of<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whole-istic Living<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When operating optimally, this system supports steady mood, smooth digestion, strong immunity, and sharp cognitive function, she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/nervous-system-support-supplements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How To Support A Fried Nervous System<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, chronic stress, inadequate sleep quality or quantity, poor nutrient intake, and other lifestyle habits can all throw the gut-brain axis off balance. When that happens, symptoms can crop up in the belly <em>and<\/em> brain, says Volpe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThe gut-brain axis is why many people have a \u2018chicken-or-the-egg\u2019 experience with their gut and mental health,\u201d Volpe explains. Someone struggling with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/best-and-worst-foods-for-ibs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/a>, for example, might notice their symptoms spike during periods of emotional upheaval. Meanwhile, people with anxiety often also experience bloating or constipation. With that, \u201csupporting the gut-brain axis can be a game-changer for most people with either mental health conditions or GI issues, or both,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How The Gut Impacts Brain Aging<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our gut and brain are in constant communication, like two best friends who just got their first flip phones. However, the quality of conversation can decline as we age\u2014and disruptions in gut health are the primary culprits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress, diet, aging, and underlying health conditions can throw off the gut\u2019s natural balance, which may trigger a heightened immune response not just in the gut but throughout the body, including in the brain, says Schultz. That means these gut shifts impact more than digestion. \u201cThey\u2019re also linked to brain fog, mood swings, and over time, can contribute to more serious issues like cognitive decline,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research over the last decade backs this up, according to Volpe. \u201cChronic gut issues have been strongly linked to long-term brain health,\u201d she says. In one<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6313445\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Microorganisms<\/span><\/i><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study, gut-related immune activity increased brain stress responses that can contribute to cognitive challenges and mental health conditions. Meanwhile, a study published in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10661239\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Frontiers in Psychiatry<\/em><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported a link between prolonged gut disruptions and changes in brain signaling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s not a straight line from gut issue to cognitive disease, but it\u2019s clear that when the gut isn\u2019t well, the brain often shows signs of being unwell, too,” Schultz says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What To Eat To Support Your Gut <i>and<\/i> Brain\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, the first domino in this chain is a shift in gut bacteria. \u201cIn many cases, microbiome imbalances appear before other gut issues, setting off a cascade that eventually affects the brain,\u201d Volpe explains. This is significant because low-grade, persistent immune activity in the brain is increasingly recognized as a factor in age-related cognitive decline and mood disorders, she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, there are actionable steps you can take to support your gut microbiome, starting with your diet. A lack of bacterial diversity and too much of the \u201cbad\u201d kinds of gut bacteria can lead to gut imbalances, says Schultz. The former is primarily caused by eating too few fruits and vegetables, while the latter is caused by allowing processed foods to be a mainstay in your regimen, she suggests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Read More: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/hyper-palatable-foods-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">These Foods Spell Disaster For Weight Loss And Long-Term Health<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your move: \u201cEat more plants. Real ones, not just crackers labeled ‘plant-based,’\u201d says Schultz. \u201cFruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices are rich in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/antioxidants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">antioxidants<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/digestion-gut-health\/fiber\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fiber<\/a> that your gut bacteria love.\u201d Aim to eat at least five different vegetables, alongside other colorful fare, daily. Since each color offers a different nutrient benefit, variety supports your microbiome and helps calm overactive gut and brain signals, she explains. Avoiding packaged foods as much as possible is also a good move.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In addition to what you eat, be mindful of\u00a0<em>how\u00a0<\/em>you eat, too. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cChew your food well,\u201d Schultz says. \u201cSlowing down eating during meals helps with digestion, prevents bloating, and sends signals to your brain that you\u2019re nourished and safe.\u201d It might seem like a small thing, but the quality of your eating experience really does have a downstream effect on that gut-brain communication channel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Best Supplements For Gut and Brain Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Diet and lifestyle may be your healthy gut-brain foundation, but enlisting the help of supplements can certainly level up your microbiome, digestive health, and brain function\u2014especially over time.<\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Probiotics<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/digestion-gut-health\/probiotics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probiotic supplements<\/a> deliver strains of beneficial bacteria to your gut microbiome, says Volpe. \u201cThis can help improve digestion while supporting a balanced gut environment, which may reduce brain fog or mental health,\u201d she suggests. While most people can honestly benefit from a daily probiotic supplement these days, \u201cpeople prone to gut issues, depression or anxiety, cognitive decline, and\/or who have taken many rounds of antibiotics throughout their lifetime are especially likely to benefit,\u201d Volpe notes. Look for a supplement with at least 10 billion CFUs and multiple strains to support microbial diversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Prebiotics<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probiotics feast on types of fiber called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/digestion-gut-health\/fiber\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prebiotics<\/a>. So, \u201csupplementing with prebiotics can help to further fuel and sustain the growth of healthy probiotic microbes, which have been shown to support a balanced immune response in both the gut and brain,\u201d shares Volpe. Consider starting with a lower dose for the first week as your body adjusts to the increased fiber intake, Schultz adds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/supplements\/fish-oil-omegas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a> are a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/omega-3s-brain-health-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">scientifically-proven must-have for long-term brain health<\/a>\u2014and since the body cannot produce them on its own, we <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">need<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to obtain them from food and\/or supplements, says Volpe. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supplementation <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9641984\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has been shown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to promote cognitive function and preserve neural function, while supporting nervous system balance (read: a calm baseline mood). Volpe recommends supplementing with 1,000 milligrams of both EPA and DHA from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/c\/vitamins-supplements\/supplements\/fish-oil-omegas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">purified fish or algae sources<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. L-glutamine<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/bodytech-glutamine-powder-bt-4500-mg-24-oz-powder\/vs-2179\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">amino acid l-glutamine<\/a> is famous for its gut health benefits, as it <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">supports the cells lining our small intestine. \u201cSupplementing with glutamine <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4369670\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has been shown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help reduce the gaps between intestinal cells through which substances can enter if gut barrier integrity is lacking<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d explains Volpe. This lackluster gut barrier integrity, commonly called “<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/leaky-gut\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">leaky gut<\/a>,” contributes to excess inflammation throughout the body and often impacts cognitive function. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By helping repair the gut lining, l-glutamine can reduce symptoms associated with leaky gut, Volpe says. Most supplements offer two to five grams per serving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Other Ways To Support Your Gut and Brain\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturally, there’s more to good gut and brain health than the kitchen and medicine cabinet. Logging quality sleep, managing your stress, moving your body, and getting outside regularly also make a huge difference in both, according to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schultz<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cThese all support the gut-brain loop in some way, whether through hormone regulation, oxygen flow, or simply giving the nervous system a chance to reset,\u201d she explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>When To See A Doctor\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because your gut and brain profoundly impact your overall health and everyday function, don’t hesitate to call for professional backup if you’re having trouble in either area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing new or worsened gastrointestinal symptoms like excess gas, abdominal bloating, unexplained weight loss, constipation, abdominal pain, excessive burping, or loose stools, check in with a holistic healthcare practitioner, Schultz says. The same goes if you notice any psychological or cognitive changes, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as mood swings, brain fog, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, unexplained sadness, apathy, or anxiety, adds Volpe. Gut issues could be part of the picture, but these symptoms might also signal that something beyond a microbial imbalance or gut disruption is at play.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crossword puzzles, memory games, and Sudoku get all the credit for protecting our brains as we age\u2014but emerging research suggests there’s a far less heady player in long-term brain health: your gut. \u201cOur brains and gut are deeply connected,\u201d says certified nutritionist and personal trainer Lisa Schultz, C.N., C.P.T., creator of the Verdura Method for<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/blog\/gut-health-and-brain-aging\/\">Read More <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">The Surprising Link Between Gut Health And Brain Aging<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":36192,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[5,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-36186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-the-latest"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - 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