Brain Health & Memory - The Gut Brain Connection

When we speak about memory, cognition, and the vitality of the mind, traditional wellness systems throughout history return us to the same essential truth: a resilient mind is rooted in a healthy body - most of all a healthy gut. Whether we look to Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, or modern integrative approaches, the foundations of memory begin not in the head, but in the core of our digestive system, including our microbiome, and our capacity to absorb and transform nutrients every day into vital energy for the body and mind.

The Gut - Memory Connection

In Naturopathic medicine we often say: “The gut is the soil in which the mind grows.” A diverse and thriving microbiome helps generate key neurotransmitter like Serotonin and GABA and influences synaptic nervous system communication. A diverse and balanced microbiome supports normal digestive function and the body’s natural processes contributing to overall well-being, including mental clarity, focus and memory. 

Ayurveda describes this through Agni, the digestive fire that transforms food into Ojas—the subtle essence that governs clarity, vitality, and higher consciousness. When Agni is strong, the mind is steady. When it weakens, memory becomes clouded.

TCM echoes this philosophy in the Spleen system, which governs digestion, nourishment, clear thinking, and the ability to “ruminate” effectively. In this view, imbalanced digestion leads to “dampness”, which can obstruct the flow of Qi to the Heart and Shen—the seat of consciousness.

Across all traditions, the message is the same: to cultivate memory, we must first support digestion. 

Bacopa - A Botanical Bridge Between Traditions

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), long revered in Ayurveda as Brahmi, is considered one of the premier herbs for sharpening intellect, supporting memory, and cultivating meditative calm. It is classified as a medhya rasayana - a rejuvenative aid for the mind and nervous system.

What is remarkable today is how modern research is affirming this ancient wisdom.

At the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, located at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, researchers conducted an in vitro study to understand how Bacopa may be affecting the body.  Results indicated that our Regenerative Bacopa may positively influence neuronal gene expression in pathways associated with synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and cognitive resilience.* This includes upregulation of genes that support neuronal communication and long-term potentiation - the cellular foundation of memory. These findings provide a scientific perspective on Bacopa’s traditional use as a “mind nourisher.”

Lion’s Mane — Mind and Memory

In both contemporary herbalism and traditional East Asian medicine, Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is prized for its ability to support nervous system health and brain function.* It contains beneficial bioactive compounds that may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting healthy neuronal function and resilience.* In vitro research performed on our Lion’s Mane Memory, also conducted at the Institute, showed great promise for memory and learning.* 

From a TCM standpoint, Lion’s Mane strengthens the Spleen and calms the Shen, aligning digestion and cognition, again returning us to the gut/brain axis.*

Bringing Traditions Together

To support healthy memory focus on:

• Strengthening digestion (Agni / Spleen Qi / Microbiome)
• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
• Supporting synaptic and neuronal health
• Using botanicals like Bacopa and Lion’s Mane to nourish the mind*
• Cultivating daily rituals that balance the nervous system

Memory is not simply a cognitive function, rather it’s a reflection of the entire ecosystem of our body.

In honoring these traditions and integrating modern science we arrive at a simple truth: When the gut is balanced, the mind remembers. When the mind is nourished, we thrive.