Throughout the Edgar Cayce readings, the recurrent emphasis of a healthy diet, regular exercise, along with a good mental attitude can prevent and alleviate most conditions. Recent discoveries in neuroscience on gut health and exercise have unveiled fascinating connections to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This relationship, often referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA), suggests that our gut bacteria may play a pivotal role in brain health. As we delve into this topic, we’ll explore the science behind these findings, connect them to the Cayce readings, and perhaps inspire a few healthy changes – because who doesn’t want to have a sharper mind?
Imagine your gut as a bustling city, teeming with diverse inhabitants – bacteria, fungi, and viruses – each playing a unique role in maintaining the city’s health. Now, picture your brain as the mayor of this city, trying to keep everything and everyone in order. When the gut is healthy, the mayor can focus on important matters like memory, cognition, and keeping the city organized and coordinated. However, when the gut bacteria go rogue, it’s like a city-wide riot, with the people fighting amongst themselves leaving the town trashed and full of debris, while the mayor is left scratching his head trying to clean up the disorganized chaos.
Recent research has identified specific gut bacteria that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. A massive study published in September 2023 highlighted the genetic connection between gut microflora and Alzheimer’s, revealing that certain bacteria can either protect against or increase the risk of developing this neurodegenerative disorder.4 It turns out that our gut bacteria can secrete acids and toxins that interact with the APOE gene, a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s, triggering a neuroinflammatory response that can wreak havoc on brain health.1
If you’ve ever been told that you are what you eat, it might be time to take that advice seriously – especially if you want to keep your brain intact. A study from the University of Nevada Las Vegas found a significant correlation between specific types of gut bacteria and the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Among the findings, six bacteria were identified as protective, while four were linked to increased risk. One example thought to raise the risk is the genus Actinobacterium Collinsella, which isn’t only associated with Alzheimer’s, but rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and Type-2 diabetes as well. 4 This means that your choice of lunch could be more consequential that you ever imagined. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help cultivate a healthy microbiome. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods and sugars can lead to dysbiosis, where the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, potentially leading to inflammation and cognitive decline.
The dietary recommendations of the Cayce readings are completely in alignment with the recent studies but take it one step further emphasizing a pH-based diet to “have 80 percent alkaline-forming foods to 20 percent acid-forming foods in the diet.” (1568-2) “Keep a tendency towards alkalinity in the diet. This does not mean there should never be any acid-forming foods in the diet, as over-alkalinity is much more harmful than a little tendency towards acidity occasionally. But remember that there are tendencies in this system towards cold and congestion…and cold cannot, does not exist in alkalines.” (808-3) The more acidity produced in the system, the more prone we become to inflammation throughout the body.
One of the most alarming aspects of this gut-brain connection is the role of inflammation. Increased gut permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut,” can allow inflammatory molecules and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can impair the blood-brain barrier, leading to neuroinflammation and, ultimately, neural injury. 2 It’s like inviting a rowdy group of party crashers into your home, only to find they’ve turned your living room into a wrestling ring full of attitude destruction. In fact, our mind and attitudes play a strong role in our gut health and can exacerbate inflammation. According to Cayce, “Anger can destroy the brain as well as any disease, for it is itself a disease of the mind.” (3510-1) Be careful what you think about “just as hate and animosity and hard sayings create poisons in the body, so do the weaken and wreck the mind.” (1315-10)
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, the potential for personalized nutrition emerges. Imagine a future where your doctor prescribes a diet tailored specifically to your gut bacteria, helping to mitigate your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This could involve everything from probiotics to specific dietary adjustments aimed at fostering a healthy microbiome. In the meantime, it’s essential to pay attention to your gut health. Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut can introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut, while a diet rich in antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress in the brain. So, while you may not be able to control every aspect of your health, you can certainly take charge of your plate.
We can also take charge of our daily activities. Exercise is often hailed as a miracle cure for various ailments, and it turns out that its benefits extend far beyond just physical fitness. A recent study led by Stanford Medicine has provided compelling evidence of the molecular changes that occur in the body as a result of regular exercise. The research involved nearly 10,000 measurements across various tissues, revealing that exercise significantly impacts the immune system, metabolism, and even gene expression. 5 Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance gut health by promoting a diversity of gut microbiota. Exercise can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria while reducing the abundance of harmful ones. This shift in microbial composition can lead to improved gut barrier function, reducing the risk of conditions like leaky gut syndrome, which has been linked to inflammation and various chronic diseases. Edgar Cayce often stated that exercise is “wonderful” and “necessary” and that we should ideally exercise in the morning to promote circulation and also in the evening to help prepare us for a good night’s rest.
The benefits of exercise extend to brain health as well. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen that support cognitive function. Exercise has been associated with the release of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the survival and growth of neurons. This is particularly important for memory and learning, as higher levels of BDNF are linked to improved cognitive performance. 6 Moreover, regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, further enhancing mental well-being.
It’s not just physical exercise, but mental exercise as well that can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s. Games and activities that challenge the brain help keep neurons active and growing. Activities such as learning a new language, dance choreography, playing music, and social connections also help to keep the brain active and fit. When Edgar Cayce was asked in reading 69-2, “Why is it difficult for me to remember?” He answered “It isn’t difficult! It’s rather trained self to forget! See the differentiation between forgetting and remembering is – memory is the exercising of the inner self as related to thought. To acknowledge that the memory is poor, is to say you don’t think much. The forgetting is to say that the thought becomes self-centered, for memory is thought – even as thought is memory, brought to the forefront by the association of ideas.”
The relationship between gut health, attitudes, exercise, and Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and evolving field of study. As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, it’s clear that what we eat, how we move, and what we think can significantly impact our brain health. As more research emerges, more support is given to the holistic approach of the Cayce readings, legitimizing the wisdom they contain. So, let’s raise a glass of kombucha to our gut bacteria and embrace a diet and a lifestyle that supports our cognitive function. After all, a healthy gut, regular exercise, and a positive attitude may just be the key to keeping our memories intact – and who wouldn’t want to remember where they left their keys?
Works Cited:
- Summers, Keyonna. Diet and Dementia: Study Uncovers Gut-Brain Link to Alzheimer’s. Neurosciencenews.com. May 12, 2023.
- Koumoundouros, Tessa. Gut Inflammation Linked to Alzheimer’s disease, once again. Science Alert. June 27, 2024.
- Zang, Jifa et al. Recent advances in Alzheimer’s disease: mechanisms, clinical trials, and new drug development strategies. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. August 23, 2024.
- McRae, Mike. Massive Study Pinpoints Specific Gut Bacteria Linked to Alzheimer’s. Science Alert. Sept 27, 2023
- Conger, Krista. Researchers create a bodywide map of molecular changes linked to exercise and health. Stanford Medical New Center. May 1, 2024.
- Kang, Piao et al. Microbiota-gut-brain axis: the mediator of exercise and brain health. Psychoradiology. April 19, 2024. PMID: 38756477