Leaky Gut, Foggy Mind: Connecting the Dots with Testing and Treatment

04/17/25 • 63 min

Brain Body Reset

All Things Gut Health with Dr. Buddy Touchinsky

How a Chiropractor Became the “Gut Guy”: Dr. Buddy shares how his focus shifted from treating pain to addressing root causes like gut health after reading Integrative Orthopedics by Alex Vasquez. This led to his deep dive into chronic illness and functional medicine.
Understanding Leaky Gut and Dysbiosis: The episode breaks down intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”), what dysbiosis means, and how both can exist even when digestive symptoms are absent—showing up instead as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or skin issues.
Top Contributors to Leaky Gut: They outline five key factors—chronic stress, poor diet, infections (bacteria, parasites, mold), chemical exposures (like glyphosate), and medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics, acid blockers)—and explain how each damages the gut lining.
Gut-Brain Axis and LPS: The discussion covers how gut imbalances and bacterial byproducts like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can fuel systemic inflammation and neurological symptoms, including depression, memory loss, and brain fog.
What Testing Can and Can’t Tell You: Stool tests, bloodwork, and food sensitivity panels are covered with nuance—highlighting what’s worth the investment, what’s often overused, and why customized interpretation (not automated protocols) matters.

All Things Gut Health with Dr. Buddy Touchinsky

How a Chiropractor Became the “Gut Guy”: Dr. Buddy shares how his focus shifted from treating pain to addressing root causes like gut health after reading Integrative Orthopedics by Alex Vasquez. This led to his deep dive into chronic illness and functional medicine.
Understanding Leaky Gut and Dysbiosis: The episode breaks down intestinal permeability (aka “leaky gut”), what dysbiosis means, and how both can exist even when digestive symptoms are absent—showing up instead as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or skin issues.
Top Contributors to Leaky Gut: They outline five key factors—chronic stress, poor diet, infections (bacteria, parasites, mold), chemical exposures (like glyphosate), and medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics, acid blockers)—and explain how each damages the gut lining.
Gut-Brain Axis and LPS: The discussion covers how gut imbalances and bacterial byproducts like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) can fuel systemic inflammation and neurological symptoms, including depression, memory loss, and brain fog.
What Testing Can and Can’t Tell You: Stool tests, bloodwork, and food sensitivity panels are covered with nuance—highlighting what’s worth the investment, what’s often overused, and why customized interpretation (not automated protocols) matters.

Previous Episode

Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatment: Uncover What's Missing

Waking up already dreading the day, struggling to think clearly, forgetting words mid-sentence—these are just a few of the frustrating realities so many people face after a concussion. If you’ve tried rest, medications, physical therapy, or chiropractic care but still feel mentally foggy, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

In this episode, Dr. Spencer Zimmerman—founder of Peak Brain and Body and known by many as “The Brain Guy”—dives into why traditional concussion treatments often fall short and what your brain may still need in order to truly heal. We’ll talk about the hidden factors behind lingering brain fog, the importance of advanced neurological testing, and how tools like nutrition, sleep optimization, cognitive exercises, and peptide therapy can support real recovery.

Whether you’re months—or even years—post-concussion, this episode offers hope, clarity, and practical steps to help you get your life back.

Next Episode

Directing Functional Neurological Care with qEEG Brain Mapping: Pros and Cons

In this powerful episode, Dr. Spencer Zimmerman welcomes Dr. Michael Trayford, one of the leading experts in QEEG (quantitative EEG) and neurofeedback, to break down what brain mapping is, how it works, and where it's heading. Together, they unpack the strengths, limitations, and clinical applications of QEEG, from ADHD and brain injuries to long COVID and dementia. You’ll also hear how advanced providers are using tools like laser therapy, vibration platforms, and metabolic support—not just neurofeedback—to shift brain function in measurable ways. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered, “Is brain mapping worth it?”

Key Takeaways:

QEEG Explained: Understand what quantitative EEG (brain mapping) is, how it compares to traditional EEGs, and what brainwave patterns reveal about cognitive and emotional function.
Beyond Neurofeedback: Discover how QEEG guides interventions like laser therapy, vibration platforms, and metabolic strategies—not just brain training alone.
Red Flags & Misconceptions: Learn how poor-quality equipment and plug-and-play systems may lead people down the wrong path, and what to look for in a trustworthy brain map.
When Neurofeedback Fails: If you’ve done 10+ sessions with little to no results, this episode helps you know when to pivot versus persevere.
Hope Through Precision: QEEG opens the door to more personalized brain rehab—especially for patients with concussion, POTS, long COVID, ADHD, and more.

To learn more about Dr. Trayford visit: https://apexbraincenters.com/qeeg-brain-mapping-asheville-nc/