L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, can support vagal toning and the gut-brain axis, primarily through its calming effects on the nervous system and its role in enhancing focus, clarity, and parasympathetic activity. Here’s How: - Activates Parasympathetic Nervous System (Vagal Response). - L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves, which promote a relaxed but alert state, similar to meditation. - This alpha brain activity is linked to enhanced vagal tone, shifting the body into a rest-and-digest state. - By supporting calm focus without sedation, it helps the vagus nerve stay more active. - Improves Stress Resilience. - L-Theanine reduces cortisol and modulates GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, neurotransmitters for mood balance. - This neurochemical support stabilizes the gut-brain axis, especially in individuals with anxiety-related gut issues (e.g., IBS). Enhances Focus and Mental Clarity: *When paired with caffeine (as in green tea), L-Theanine smooths out the stimulant effect, allowing calm concentration. - Clearer thinking and focus support the prefrontal cortex, which also communicates with the vagal system to regulate autonomic balance. Supports Gut-Brain Communication: l- Theanine may protect and modulate intestinal barrier function and reduce inflammatory cytokines, indirectly supporting gut-brain feedback loops. - Animal studies suggest it can reduce gut inflammation and support beneficial microbiota, which influence vagal signaling. Summary: L-Theanine helps support vagal tone by calming the nervous system, promoting relaxed alertness, reducing stress signals, and enhancing gut-brain communication. It’s a valuable biohacking tool for gut health, focus, and mood regulation, especially when used mindfully through high-quality green tea or supplementation.

Thank you all for showing up and being part of today’s Nourish & Flourish class! I appreciate each of you and the energy you bring to this healing journey. Focusing on rebuilding and rejuvenating your inner ecosystem and microbiome is truly one of the most powerful things you can do to restore and maintain vibrant health including body, mind, and spirit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support with anything we covered. I’m here for you! Be Well, Eloise

We’ve all heard “protein is king”, but when it comes to gut health, immunity, and inflammation, fiber is the new superhero. Here’s what most people don’t know: All prebiotics are fiber...but not all fibers are a prebiotic. Prebiotic fibers specifically feed your friendly bacteria (or unhealthy bacteria, which cause inflammation). Other fibers simply bulk stool or pass through undigested. To truly nourish your microbiome, you need to introduce the right kinds of fiber, slowly and strategically, especially if you have intestinal issues. RS2 and RS3 resistant starches are crucial. These special fibers feed beneficial microbes like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia (and others). They break down the fiber (we can't digest) and produce butyrate; a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that heals and protects your intestinal lining, balances your immune system, supports brain activity, metabolic & endocrine health and prevents inflammatory diseases. The key is knowing how to introduce these fibers gradually to avoid gas, bloating, feeding the wrong microbes and generating too much die-off in the process. We’ll explore exactly how to build a fiber plan that supports YOU! This is a health journey worth taking, and you're never too young or too old to begin!

I’m excited to see you all here! I’m really looking forward to sharing my new program “ Nourish & Flourish” with you all! I will be setting up some introductory events very soon so you can learn more about my course. Stay tuned & enjoy your beautiful day!