The Mind-Mouth Connection: How Oral Bacteria Impacts Your Brain - podcast episode cover

The Mind-Mouth Connection: How Oral Bacteria Impacts Your Brain

Mar 05, 202513 min
--:--
--:--
Download Metacast podcast app
Listen to this episode in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episode description

Story at-a-glance
  • Research found that higher levels of harmful bacteria (Prevotella intermedia) in the mouth are linked to cognitive impairment, while beneficial bacteria (Neisseria and Haemophilus) support better brain function
  • Nitric oxide production by beneficial oral bacteria plays a crucial role in maintaining blood flow to the brain. Nitrate-rich vegetables help boost the population of these healthy bacteria
  • People with the APOE4 gene show a distinct oral microbiome composition. Research shows they have lower levels of Neisseria bacteria and higher amounts of Prevotella, which is associated with increased dementia risk
  • Harmful oral bacteria have the ability to enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to brain inflammation that results in cognitive decline
  • Maintaining oral health through proper diet, regular brushing and flossing, nose breathing, avoiding antibacterial mouthwash and practicing oil pulling are effective strategies against cognitive decline
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast
The Mind-Mouth Connection: How Oral Bacteria Impacts Your Brain | Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast