Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 21, 2025
Researchers have uncovered a tremendous amount of information about the gut-brain connection in the last few years.
For example, earlier this week, I explained how probiotics can naturally ease anxiety.
But scientists’ latest discovery isn’t about what’s in your GUT. Instead, it’s about what’s in your MOUTH.
And it might make you think twice about your oral care routine…
A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that a group of naturally occurring mouth-dwelling bacteria called Neisseria could protect your brain from cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered something incredible when they examined 60 seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 60 healthy controls.
Seniors with more of these beneficial bacteria had …
- better working memory,
- sharper executive function,
- and improved visual attention.
But it gets better…
Higher Neisseria levels were linked to better memory—even in the folks with no signs of cognitive decline.
In other words, nurturing our Neisseria population could help us stay sharper as we age.
Scientists believe you can boost your levels of these beneficial bacteria in just weeks by promoting an overall healthy microbiome using probiotics to increase your number of good gut bugs and prebiotics to feed them.
But don’t stop there. Committing to a few simple lifestyle changes will continue to support your oral (and brain) health:
- Regularly brush and floss your teeth.
- Avoid overbrushing with harsh chemical-based oral-care products. Instead, choose natural ones that support a healthy bacterial balance (the EWG’s Skin Deep database can help you find some).
- Stay hydrated. A moist mouth supports beneficial bacteria.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks that feed harmful
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support oral bacterial diversity.
It turns out your mouth is more than just the gateway to your stomach. We now know it’s also the guardian of your cognitive health.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
Stealth Heart Killer (Try THIS Kitchen Staple Fix)
A newly discovered heart disease could be putting your health at risk—but the good news is, natural solutions may help. Learn how a supplement found in coconut oil and can protect your heart!
The Best Magnesium for YOU (Sleep, Digestion, and More!)
Struggling with sleep? Muscle cramps? Digestive issues? Magnesium could help—but not all types are the same. Learn which magnesium supplement is best for YOUR health.
Think Twice Before Eating That Sprouted Potato!
You reach for a potato… and it’s covered in creepy little sprouts. Should you still eat it? Or is it a hidden danger? Here’s the truth about sprouted potatoes.
Silent Thief Secretly Robs Diabetics of Nutrients
If you have diabetes, blood sugar isn’t the only threat you must watch for. New research reveals a hidden form of malnutrition could harm your health.
Mailbag: Feed Your Finicky Gut to Promote Healing
Digestive system in revolt? These gentle “healing foods” provide needed nourishment while promoting gut healing.
The Morning Sunlight Secret to Better Sleep
Recent research reveals that natural sunlight exposure within the first hour of waking could be one of the most effective ways to improve sleep quality at night.
P.S. Can you PLAY your way to better brain health? Here’s what the science says.
Source:
E, J., Corbett, A., Ballard, C., Vauzour, D., Creese, B., Winyard, P. G., Jones, A. M., & Vanhatalo, A. (2024). Oral microbiome and nitric oxide biomarkers in older people with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype. PNAS Nexus, 4(1).
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...