Issue 18: The May Newsletter
Another week, another reminder that your gut is basically your second brain—but with more drama.
The more we learn, the clearer it is: gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s center stage in brain health, mood, and long-term wellness. Here are three stories from this week that made me nod, cringe, and double down on meat stock and fermented foods.
🏌️♂️Living Near a Golf Course? There’s a Catch.
Forget about the horrible environmental impact of golf courses as ecological dead zones (plus their excessive water use and biodiversity destruction), a new study found that people who live close to golf courses are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. 126% more. Why? It's likely from the heavy pesticide use—especially glyphosate, which harms the gut and the brain. This highlights what I always say: neurological health starts in the gut—and protecting your microbiome means paying attention to what's in your environment as well as on your plate.
🦠 Probiotics & Mood: It’s Not Just Hype
A recent study confirmed what many of us see in practice: probiotics can significantly ease anxiety. A healthy gut produces balanced neurotransmitters and sends calming signals to the brain. But when things are out of balance, stress and mood issues often follow. This is another reason why supporting digestion is foundational to mental wellness. My probiotics of choice? Yogurt, créme fraîche, and sauerkraut.
🍟 Western Diets Delay Gut Recovery After Antibiotics
We all know antibiotics can disrupt gut bacteria—but did you know that a processed food diet makes it harder for your microbiome to bounce back? When the gut can’t recover, your immune system, mood, and brain all take a hit. Real food truly is your best medicine. Had a recent round of antibiotics? I have 3 suggestions in addition to upping your fermented foods intake: meat stock, meat stock, and meat stock.
If there’s one thing all of this confirms, it’s that brain health doesn’t start in your head—it starts in your gut (and sometimes, in your zip code). Whether it’s pesticides, processed food, or poor sleep, your gut is on the front lines. The good news? You can take back control. I help families uncover the root causes behind behavior, mood, and developmental concerns—especially in kids with autism. Want to learn more about how gut health impacts autism? Read my blog post for more insights. Ready to take action? 👉 Grab my free ASD guide or book a free strategy call to start supporting your child from the inside out.
Remember, health should be a birthright. Claim yours.
Lubna
