For many dealing with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), and ALS, the focus is often placed on genetics, medications, and symptom management. However, emerging research suggests that gut health may play a crucial role in brain function and neurodegenerative disorders.
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain,” and with good reason—approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, and the gut microbiota directly influences brain function through the gut-brain axis. When gut health is compromised—particularly through a condition known as leaky gut—it can contribute to systemic inflammation, autoimmunity, and even cognitive decline.
In my practice, I work with patients to identify root causes of chronic health conditions, including gut microbiota in neurodegenerative disorders and how poor gut health could be impacting their cognitive function and overall well-being. Let’s explore the intricate connection between gut health and neurological disorders—and more importantly, what you can do to support your brain through better gut health.
How Gut Health and Neurodegenerative Conditions Are Connected
The relationship between the gut and the brain is mediated by the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system that links the nervous system with gut microbiota. This means that imbalances in your gut can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which play a role in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
One key component of this connection is intestinal permeability, commonly referred to as leaky gut.
What is Leaky Gut?
When the lining of the gut becomes compromised due to diet, stress, toxins, or infections, it allows undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory immune response that can impact the brain.
Studies show that patients with neurodegenerative conditions often have imbalances in their gut microbiota, with increased levels of harmful bacteria and decreased levels of beneficial bacteria that help regulate inflammation and neurotransmitter production. The gut microbiota in neurodegenerative disorders plays a critical role in determining how the body handles inflammation, toxins, and even hormone regulation—all of which influence brain health.
Signs That Your Gut May Be Affecting Your Brain Health
You don’t need to have a diagnosed neurological disorder to experience symptoms of gut-brain dysfunction. If you have any of the following signs, it may be time to assess your gut health:
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in neurodegenerative conditions, I commonly see these warning signs in my patients that indicate gut-brain dysfunction:
- Digestive Disturbances – Chronic bloating, constipation, or diarrhea are clear indicators that your gut microbiome needs attention. These symptoms often precede neurological manifestations by years.
- Cognitive Changes – Brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating may signal that inflammatory molecules from a compromised gut are crossing your blood-brain barrier.
- Emotional Dysregulation – Since your gut produces over 90% of your body’s serotonin, mood imbalances like anxiety or depression often stem from gut dysfunction.
- Autoimmune Activity – In my clinical experience, conditions like MS or rheumatoid arthritis frequently have roots in intestinal permeability, triggering system-wide inflammation.
- Energy & Sleep Disruption – Poor sleep quality and persistent fatigue often indicate disrupted gut-brain signaling affecting your circadian rhythms.
In my practice treating complex neurological conditions, I’ve found that these symptoms are reliable indicators of compromised gut health contributing to neuroinflammation.
How Leaky Gut Fuels Neurodegeneration
Leaky gut isn’t just a digestive issue—it’s a systemic problem that can drive chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoimmunity. Here’s how this process can fuel neurodegeneration:
Chronic Inflammation: A damaged gut lining leads to increased production of inflammatory cytokines, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger neuroinflammation. Studies suggest that patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS have elevated inflammatory markers linked to gut dysfunction.
Toxin Overload: When the gut barrier is compromised, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—a type of bacterial toxin—can enter the bloodstream. LPS has been shown to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases by triggering immune responses that attack the brain.
Nutrient Malabsorption: A damaged gut lining makes it harder for your body to absorb critical nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are essential for brain function and neuroprotection.
Microbial Imbalances: Certain harmful bacteria produce neurotoxins that interfere with neurotransmitter balance, leading to symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and cognitive decline. Research on gut microbiota in neurodegenerative disorders shows that changes in gut bacteria can precede symptoms of neurological disease by years.
How to Heal Your Gut and Protect Your Brain
If you want to protect your neurological health, healing your gut is a crucial first step. Here’s how:
Eliminate Inflammatory Foods – Reduce sugar, gluten, processed foods, and industrial seed oils that contribute to gut inflammation.
Manage Stress and Sleep – Chronic stress disrupts gut balance. Prioritize sleep, mindfulness practices, and deep breathing to support the gut-brain axis.
Move Your Body – Exercise supports a healthy microbiome and enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes neuron repair and growth.
Get Personalized Testing – Work with a functional medicine practitioner, like myself, to assess your unique gut health through comprehensive testing. This can reveal specific imbalances, infections, or nutritional deficiencies affecting your brain health.
Customized Protocol – Based on your test results, we will develop a personalized diet and supplement plan that addresses your unique biochemistry and specific gut-healing needs. A diet that may be beneficial to your partner or friends may not be the best for your body.
By making these targeted lifestyle changes and following a personalized protocol, you can help repair your gut lining, balance your microbiome, and reduce neuroinflammation—giving your brain the best possible environment for long-term health.
The Future of Gut Health in Neurological Medicine
The medical community is beginning to recognize the strong link between gut health and neurodegenerative conditions. Research into gut microbiota in neurodegenerative disorders is rapidly expanding, and functional medicine practitioners are leading the charge in using gut-focused therapies to support cognitive function and neurological resilience.
If you’re struggling with brain fog, memory loss, anxiety, or an existing neurological condition, don’t overlook the health of your gut. Addressing leaky gut and microbiome imbalances may be one of the most powerful things you can do for your brain and overall well-being.
Your gut is talking to your brain—what is it telling you?
Take the Next Step in Your Health Journey and Book an 30-min Eye Opening Session with Dr. Jamie Ahn!
If you suspect gut issues are contributing to your neurological symptoms, functional medicine testing can provide insights into your gut microbiota, inflammation levels, and overall health status.
At our clinic, Good News Naturopathic, we specialize in root-cause medicine—helping you identify and address the underlying imbalances affecting your health. If you’re ready to take control of your brain health by healing your gut, we’re here to help.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how functional medicine can help you reclaim your cognitive and digestive health.
