Our StoryBy Dr. Paul Bernitt, Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health
Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? It turns out, that phrase is more than just a figure of speech. Your gut and your brain are deeply connected through a special pathway called the vagus nerve. This nerve is like a communication highway running from your brain all the way down to your stomach and intestines. It carries messages back and forth—every single day.
What kinds of messages? Messages about your feelings, what you’re craving and how your immune system should work. Believe it or not, the real messengers are tiny living things inside your body called microbes.
There Are More Microbes Than Human Cells in Your Body
It might surprise you, but your body holds more microbes than human cells. Most of these tiny organisms, like bacteria, live in your gut. This community of microbes is called the gut microbiome. Some are helpful, while others can be harmful if they grow out of control.
Think of the good microbes like friendly neighbors who help clean the streets, grow food, keep the peace and put out fires. But, when the harmful microbes take over, things get messy fast. The harmful bacteria can send signals to your brain that make you crave sugar, carbs and alcohol. Why? Because that’s the food they like to eat. The more you feed them, the more they grow… and the more you crave.
Cravings Come from the Gut
When unhealthy bacteria outnumber the healthy ones, your gut becomes imbalanced. This imbalance, called dysbiosis, can lead to chronic inflammation in your body. Inflammation is your body’s natural way of fighting infection, but when it stays turned on all the time, it can hurt you more than help you.
Signs of gut-related inflammation include:
- Bloating and gas
- Brain fog or trouble focusing
- Mood swings or anxiety
- Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
- Skin issues like rashes or acne
- Digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea
When the gut is inflamed, the vagus nerve sends stress signals to the brain. This can lead to poor sleep, low energy and even sadness or depression. It’s a cycle, and the way to break it is to restore balance in your gut.
The Good News: You Can Feed the Good Bacteria
Like weeds growing in a messy garden, unhealthy microbes grow in a gut full of processed foods, sugar and alcohol. But, when you feed your gut fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, the healthy bacteria thrive. These foods are called prebiotics, and they give the good microbes the fuel they need.
You can also add prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. Prebiotics are what healthy microbes thrive on. Probiotics are the live healthy bacteria found in foods like yogurt, kefir and fermented vegetables, and digestive enzymes help us break down our food to enhance absorption of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and fatty acids. These help restore the balance in your gut microbiome.
When the good bacteria outnumber the bad, amazing things happen:
- Your immune system gets stronger
- You feel less anxious or stressed
- Your digestion improves
- Cravings for sugar and junk food go away
- Your body heals from inflammation faster
Symbiosis: We Need Each Other
The relationship between your body and your gut microbes is called symbiosis. That means we live together and support each other. Your body gives the microbes a home and food. In return, they help digest your meals, make vitamins, support brain function and keep your immune system strong.
But, when the unhealthy microbes take over, that relationship becomes broken. Your immune system weakens, and inflammation spreads… That’s when it’s time to restore balance and protect your health.
Nopalea®: Your Gut’s Natural Ally
At TriVita, we believe in helping the body heal naturally. That’s why we created Nopalea, a delicious wellness drink made from nopal cactus fruit. Nopalea is rich in betalains, powerful antioxidants that help calm chronic inflammation and support the gut lining.
When your gut is inflamed, harmful toxins can leak into your bloodstream—a problem known as leaky gut. Nopalea helps reduce your body’s inflammation. With less inflammation, the body’s ability to stimulate healing in the gut lining improves so that good nutrients are absorbed, and bad toxins are blocked. This gives your healthy bacteria a better environment in which to grow and your immune system a better chance to thrive.
Nopalea is shown to:
- Help reduce inflammation so your body can better heal and repair the gut and other vital organs.
- Improve range of motion to help you stay active, which has been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Reduce the need for pain medication, which can disrupt your digestive tract, thereby enhancing gut-brain communication for better mood and energy.
What TriVita Members Are Saying About Nopalea
“I’ve been taking Nopalea for years. I love this product! If you give it a chance, it works!” – Margaret W.
“Nopalea has given me a whole new outlook on life. I feel happier and move much more easily. I really look forward to my morning Nopalea drink.” – Marlene B.
Take Action Today
Don’t let inflammation control your gut, brain and body. Take back your health by restoring balance in your microbiome. Feed your good bacteria, calm your cravings and protect your immune system with Nopalea.
Take Nopalea and experience the difference from the inside out.
Let your gut talk back to your brain… with a message of wellness rather than distress.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7, NIV
— A wonderful reminder that peace in the mind and body comes from God.
REFERENCE
Nopalea Clinical Study Reference: Jensen, G. Evaluation of Activity Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Overall Wellness. 2019. Study based on 3 ounce per day serving size.
