
Brain-Boosting Bacteria Discovered in Surprising Spot
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
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...
20-Minute AM Hack Will Revolutionize How You Wake Up
If you feel like you’re in a fog for the first hour after your alarm goes off, you’re not alone. Mornings can be rough. That groggy, disoriented feeling isn’t just annoying—it’s a real physiological phenomenon called “sleep inertia.” And it can drag on for up to two hours after waking, even if you’ve had a...
Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk
Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...
Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure
Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...
The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety
Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...