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NatureMed Pulse

The Institute for Natural Medicine

Vol. 3, Issue 2

The Microbiome Motherboard

What’s happening in your gut undoubtedly affects other parts of your body—maybe all parts—but definitely your brain, immune system, skin, and liver. Understanding how the various gut axes operate and the internal and external factors that can break down intestinal barriers is a crucial first step in addressing the inflammation behind chronic pain, bloating, and fatigue.

‘Plugging the Holes’: How to Fix a Leaky Gut

When intact, the gastrointestinal lining is a gatekeeper, letting nutrients pass while blocking toxins, bacteria, and undigested food from entering the bloodstream. But chronic stress, poor diet, infections, antibiotics, and alcohol can all compromise this barrier, carving little “cracks” that clear the path for invaders.

​Leaky gut symptoms span the spectrum, complicating diagnosis. There’s digestive upset, of course, but also headaches, depression, and fatigue that can send healthcare practitioners on a tangent of possible causes.

Because there aren’t many effective medicines that can reverse intestinal permeability, natural strategies are often the way to go. Anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements, and healthy routines (like regular sound sleep) give the gut what it needs to initiate self-repair.

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the ultimate gut guide

debloat, naturally & fast

The Gut–Brain Connection

There are plenty of reasons why the gut is called a “second brain.” Not only does our digestive system host a complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that influence organs and systems throughout the body, but it’s also in direct contact with the brain upstairs.

​Gut–brain communication is a constant conversation. Bacteria regulate the neurotransmitters that determine mental well-being, while the brain influences gut function through stress responses and circadian rhythms. A good gut positively influences cognitive health, making this bidirectional relationship a powerful lever for overall well-being.

lifting brain fog

nervous system support ​

Should H. Pylori Stay or Go?

H. pylori has colonized the GI microbiome longer than written history. More than half the world’s population lives asymptomatically with this spiral-shaped bacterium. Which raises the $64,000 question: should bacteria that possibly protect against serious conditions like asthma and autoimmune disorders be destroyed?

The short answer is “it depends.” People with abdominal pain, nausea, bloating after meals, or unexplained weight loss (as well as anyone over 40) may need treatment. But rapid elimination through antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors often comes with risks, including—ironically—disrupting the microbiome.

what is C. diff?

group B strep ​

The NatureMed Pulse Team

Please note that we do not provide individualized medical advice, diagnose conditions, or answer personal health questions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for specific guidance.

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