Crafting Better Mental Health with Craft Complete: The Microbiome Advantage

In today’s rapidly evolving world of health and wellness, the gut-brain connection has taken center stage. Enter Craft Microbiomes’ innovation: Craft Complete. But how exactly can this product influence our mental well-being? Let’s dive in.

1. Unpacking Craft Complete

Craft Complete is an offering from Craft Microbiomes that focuses on harnessing the power of the microbiome to benefit overall health. It’s built on the foundation that a balanced gut can lead to a balanced mind.

2. The Gut-Brain Link

Neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for mood regulation like serotonin, are predominantly produced in the gut. Therefore, an imbalance in our gut microbiota can lead to imbalances in these chemicals, potentially affecting our mental state. Craft Complete aims to rectify this balance, fostering a healthier neurotransmitter production.

3. Probiotic Powerhouse

One of the standout features of Craft Complete is its blend of potent probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are designed to restore and maintain a healthy gut environment. A balanced microbiome is linked with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, showcasing the product’s potential mental health benefits.

4. Beyond the Gut: Systemic Benefits

While the primary focus of Craft Complete is on gut health, its benefits are systemic. A balanced gut can influence inflammation levels in the body, which, in turn, can impact brain health and mood. By reducing gut-related inflammation, Craft Complete can potentially serve as a tool for mental well-being.

5. Easy Integration into Daily Life

Craft Microbiomes understands the importance of convenience. Craft Complete is designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, ensuring that you don’t miss out on its benefits, no matter how hectic your day might get.

6. Positive Feedback and Community

One of the often-overlooked aspects of products like Craft Complete is the sense of community they foster. Numerous users have shared their positive experiences and journeys with the product, further cementing its place in the mental health toolkit.

Conclusion

In the quest for better mental health, the gut is proving to be a valuable ally. Craft Complete, with its blend of probiotics and prebiotics, taps into this potential, offering a promising avenue for those looking to enhance their mental well-being. While it’s an exciting addition to the realm of mental health solutions, always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before integrating new supplements into your routine. Craft your path to better mental health with Craft Complete!

The Microbiome, Vagus Nerve, and the Brain: An Intricate Dance of Physiology.

The human body is an intricate network of systems, all of which work in harmony to keep us functional and alive. In recent years, the interplay between our gut microbiome, the vagus nerve, and the brain has garnered significant attention from the scientific community, revealing a profound connection that impacts our overall health and well-being. This blog post will delve into the fascinating world of this triad, exploring their interconnectedness and the implications for our health.

The Gut Microbiome: Our Inner Ecosystem

Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic life forms. Collectively known as the microbiome, these organisms play a pivotal role in digesting food, producing essential vitamins, and protecting against harmful pathogens. Beyond these well-acknowledged roles, research has illuminated the profound influence of the microbiome on various bodily functions, including our mental health.

The Vagus Nerve: The Body’s Communication Superhighway

Originating from the brainstem and wandering down to the abdomen, the vagus nerve is one of the longest cranial nerves in the body. As a primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system, it’s involved in various vital functions, including heart rate regulation, digestion, and respiratory rate. However, its role doesn’t end there.

Bridging the Gut-Brain Axis: The Vagus Nerve Connection

The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. Here, the vagus nerve acts as a critical communication channel. When the gut microbiome is in balance, beneficial bacteria produce metabolites and neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence our mood and brain health.

On the flip side, disturbances in the gut microbiome have been associated with a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, from anxiety and depression to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. The vagus nerve transmits these microbial signals directly to the brain, emphasizing the importance of a healthy gut for a healthy mind.

Implications for Health & Therapeutics

Understanding the connection between the microbiome, vagus nerve, and the brain offers promising avenues for novel treatments. By modulating the gut microbiome, we can potentially influence the signals sent via the vagus nerve to the brain, offering therapeutic strategies for mood disorders, cognitive decline, and other neurological conditions.

For instance, certain probiotic strains have been shown to exert positive effects on mood by modulating the gut-brain axis. Similarly, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an FDA-approved treatment for epilepsy and depression, further highlighting the importance of this nerve in brain function.

Conclusion

The intricate dance of physiology involving the microbiome, vagus nerve, and the brain serves as a testament to the human body’s interconnectedness. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of this relationship, one thing is clear: taking care of our gut health can have profound implications for our brain health and overall well-being. It’s a dynamic world inside us, and every player matters.

The Balance of Good vs. Bad Bacteria

What is Good Bacteria?

Contrary to what some might think, not all bacteria are harmful. In fact, the majority of bacteria living in and on our bodies are beneficial, and are often referred to as ‘good’ bacteria. These bacteria play pivotal roles:

1. Digestion: They help in breaking down complex food molecules in our gut.

2. Vitamin Production: Some synthesize essential vitamins like B and K.

3. Immune System: They bolster our immune defense by outcompeting harmful pathogens.

Examples include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, commonly found in yogurts and other fermented foods.

The Not-So-Good Ones:

‘Bad’ bacteria, on the other hand, are associated with infections, diseases, and general discomfort. When they overpopulate, they can cause a range of issues:

1. Infections: Such as strep throat or urinary tract infections.

2. Intestinal Disturbances: Leading to conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

3. Long-Term Diseases: Including some types of ulcers and respiratory conditions.

Some notorious bad bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Maintaining the Balance:

Our bodies are ecosystems, and like any ecosystem, balance is key.

1. Dietary Choices: Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fiber and fermented foods can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.

2. Limiting Antibiotics: Overuse can wipe out both good and bad bacteria, disrupting the balance.

3. Hygiene: While it’s essential to keep ourselves clean, being overly hygienic can eliminate good bacteria. Striking a balance is crucial.

Embrace the Microbial World:

Understanding the balance between good and bad bacteria can radically alter our perception of microbes. Instead of fearing them, we should appreciate their role in our well-being and the environment. After all, without the good bacteria, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the many benefits they bring to our lives.

Remember: it’s not about eradicating bacteria, but about nurturing a harmonious relationship with them. Stay curious and keep exploring the fascinating universe of our microbiomes!

Oral Microbiome DNA Sequencing Reveals Intriguing Findings at the World's Strongest Man Competition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A groundbreaking study centered around competitors of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition has uncovered remarkable insights into the oral microbiome's potential influence on athletic performance. Spearheaded by a leading team of biotechnologists and sports scientists, DNA sequencing of participants’ oral microbiomes was executed before, during, and after the event.

Key findings reveal high levels of the bacteria Veillonella atypica present in athletes who had competed just two weeks prior at Europe's Strongest Man competition. Notably, this bacteria has been loosely connected in past studies to enhanced muscle recovery and lactic acid processing, suggesting a potential correlation between recent competitions and microbiome composition.

In addition, the DNA sequencing unveiled strains of Bifidobacterium potentially associated with performance under high-pressure situations. Although the exact mechanisms are yet to be elucidated, these strains might hold the key to understanding how certain athletes thrive under the immense pressure of top-tier competitions. Anders Corbett, the study's principal investigator, expressed his excitement: "It’s astonishing to consider that beyond rigorous training and diet, the microbes residing in an athlete’s mouth could play a crucial role in their success or setbacks. This opens a promising avenue for exploring microbial supplementation or intervention in the future of sports science.”

While the initial results are promising, the team emphasizes that further research is essential to draw definitive conclusions and fully understand the complexities of the oral microbiome's interplay with athletic performance.

The World’s Strongest Man competition, known for showcasing physical extremes, may now also be recognized as a platform that propels forward our understanding of the hidden, microbial factors influencing our bodily functions. As science continues to probe deeper into the human microbiome, we edge closer to harnessing its potential, leading to more informed training regimens, dietary interventions, and even athletic performance enhancements.

About the Research Team:

Comprising eminent biotechnologists, microbiologists, and sports scientists, the research group is dedicated to unraveling the intricate connections between the human microbiome and athletic performance. This project was funded in part by Craft Microbiome, Endeavor Talent Agency and Oxford Nanopore and findings will soon be published.

**The Microbiome and Muscle Recovery: An Intriguing Connection**

We're all familiar with the soreness that follows a tough workout, the kind that makes us swear off stairs for a week. But did you know that the trillions of tiny bacteria living in your gut might hold the key to faster muscle recovery? Let's dive into the captivating world of the microbiome and its influence on muscle health.

**1. What is the Microbiome?**

Before delving deep, it's essential to understand what we mean by "microbiome." The human microbiome refers to the vast community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that live in and on our bodies. The gut microbiome, specifically, is located in our intestines and is composed of more than 100 trillion bacteria, which is even more than the number of cells in our body!

**2. The Gut-Muscle Axis**

Recent studies suggest a connection between the gut and muscle, aptly named the "gut-muscle axis." This axis suggests a bi-directional relationship where the health and diversity of the gut microbiome can influence muscle function and vice versa.

**3. How the Microbiome Supports Muscle Recovery**

* **Inflammation Control:** After a heavy workout, our muscles experience microtears leading to inflammation. Some strains of gut bacteria produce anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce muscle inflammation, thereby speeding up recovery.

* **Nutrient Absorption:** For muscles to recover and grow, they need a steady supply of nutrients. A balanced microbiome aids in the efficient absorption of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring that muscles get what they need.

* **Metabolite Production:** Certain gut bacteria produce metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), that can support muscle health. For example, butyrate (a type of SCFA) has been linked to reduced muscle breakdown.

**4. Protecting Your Microbiome for Muscle Health**

So, how can we ensure our gut bacteria are in tip-top shape to support muscle recovery?

* **Diverse Diet:** A varied diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods can support a diverse microbiome.

* **Probiotics:** These are live beneficial bacteria that can be consumed through supplements or fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut. They can help replenish and maintain a healthy gut flora.

* **Avoid Overuse of Antibiotics:** Unnecessary antibiotic use can wipe out large portions of our gut bacteria, so always use them judiciously and under medical supervision.

* **Stay Active:** Physical activity itself can promote a healthier gut, creating a positive feedback loop.

**5. The Future of Microbiome Research in Muscle Health**

While there's already compelling evidence suggesting the microbiome's role in muscle recovery, there's still much to explore. Future studies may uncover specific bacterial strains beneficial for muscle health, leading to targeted probiotic therapies.

**Conclusion**

The saying "trust your gut" takes on a whole new meaning when considering the gut-muscle connection. By nurturing our microbiome, we're not just supporting digestive health but also paving the way for better muscle recovery and overall physical wellness. As science continues to unveil the mysteries of our gut bacteria, it becomes clear that the path to muscle health may very well start in the belly.

Preserving Your Microbiome.

Preserving Your Microbiome at Peak Health: An Investment for Your Future Well-being

The human microbiome has, in recent years, taken center stage in discussions surrounding health, nutrition, and wellness. Comprising trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, the microbiome plays a pivotal role in our overall health, affecting everything from our digestion to our mood. As our understanding of the microbiome deepens, a new notion is emerging – the idea of saving and preserving our microbiome during our healthiest times to use in times of sickness or after antibiotic treatments. But why is this concept gaining traction? And how could it possibly benefit us?

Your Microbiome in Peak Health

To begin with, it's essential to understand that the microbiome isn’t static. It changes based on our diet, environment, age, and other factors. When we're in optimal health, our microbiome is believed to be in its most balanced state, where beneficial microbes thrive, keeping harmful ones in check. This balanced state supports our immune function, aids in nutrient absorption, and even plays a role in producing certain vitamins.

The Effects of Sickness and Antibiotics on Our Microbiome

Illnesses and certain treatments can disrupt this delicate balance. Antibiotics, while life-saving and essential for treating bacterial infections, are often not selective. They can wipe out both the harmful bacteria causing the infection and the beneficial ones that our bodies rely on. This can lead to digestive issues, increased vulnerability to other infections, and a host of other problems.

When we fall ill or face health setbacks, reintroducing these beneficial microbes can aid in faster recovery and restore balance. This is where the idea of saving our microbiome at peak health comes in.

Preserving Your Peak Microbiome

Imagine having a personal 'backup' of your healthiest microbiome. By collecting and preserving samples of your microbiome when you're in top shape, you can potentially reintroduce these 'peak probiotics' back into your system during times of need. This is akin to restoring a computer from a backup after a system crash.

Using these peak probiotics after illnesses or antibiotic treatments can help:

1. Repopulate Beneficial Microbes: Introducing familiar strains that have thrived in your body before can be more effective than generic probiotics.

2. Faster Recovery: With a balanced microbiome, the body might recover quicker from certain illnesses or side effects of treatments.

3. Strengthen Immune Response: A balanced microbiome can enhance immune function, possibly leading to better resistance against future infections.

The Road Ahead

While the concept is promising, it's worth noting that the field is still relatively new. Proper techniques for collecting, storing, and reintroducing these peak probiotics are still being researched. It’s also crucial to consult healthcare professionals before making any decisions related to your microbiome.

Moreover, not everyone will have the same experience or benefits. The microbiome is incredibly individual, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Conclusion

In an era where personalized medicine is becoming more prevalent, the idea of preserving one's microbiome at peak health offers an exciting frontier in enhancing our health and well-being. It embodies the philosophy of prevention and preparedness, where we proactively take steps to ensure we have the best tools at our disposal to face health challenges.

Investing in our microbiome's health is an investment in our overall well-being. By understanding and valuing its importance, we pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future.

Probiotics ARE the Real Deal. Our Response to a Recent CNN Report.

You may have read this past month on CNN that according to The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) that there isn't enough evidence for probiotics to recommend taking them.” In one of thousands of recent investigations of probiotics, the AGA sought to determine the role of probiotics in treating gastrointestinal disorders. Like many other scientific studies, almost all of these findings are unveiled in the form of peer reviewed journal articles. However, because this medium can be difficult and time-consuming to digest, news sources pick up the stories, reword them, and republish them.

CNN did just so: it issued an article that trimmed a lengthy paper published in the AGA into fewer than thirty sentences, all while making a blanket judgement on the efficacy of probiotics as a whole. With this in mind, we wanted to provide more insights into this article titled “Probiotics don't do much for most people's gut health despite the hype”.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

The article cites the AGA as its primary evidence, yet this study was limited to the role of probiotics only in treating IBS, Crohn’s, C. diff infections, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. However, what the CNN article fails to mention, the study states that some probiotic strains are successful in treating certain conditions. No evidence has been presented to support or disprove the use of probiotics in the benefiting other aspects of health and performance outside of the gastrointestinal system. Here are a few that we focus on:

·  Improves Endurance

·  Increases Energy

·  Quickens Recovery Time

·  Enhances Metabolism

·  Increase Ability to Gain Muscle

·  Reduces LDL (bad) Cholesterol

·  Improves HDL (good) Cholesterol

·  Boosts Oral Health

·  Reduces Allergy Symptoms

·  Improve the Immune System

And several research studies and articles that back-up these claims:

1. Performance Enhancing Probiotic Strains

2. L. Plantarum Increases Body Mass

3. L.Reuteri Performance Capabilities

4. L.Rhamnosus and Anti-Fatigue Effects

5. B.Longum Ability to Improve Gut Health

6. B.Breve and the Impact on IBS

While we disagree with a number of the blanket claims this article makes surrounding the inefficacy of probiotics, there are a few claims that we agree with.

 “Selecting an effective probiotic means matching the specific probiotic strain to the type of disease that needs treatment.”

At Craft Microbiome, we only use strains that have been deemed effective, not just generic strains that could boost your health. Our products are specialized to target a specific aspect of your health and performance, for example Craft Strength, which helps boost testosterone levels and increase muscle mass. If these focused probiotics aren’t specialized enough, you can craft your own probiotic with us. You can choose your bacteria strains and even the sources of those probiotics. No other company gives you this much agency in your probiotics.

"Not all probiotics are created equal. Some probiotic strains and mixtures are very effective for some types of diseases and should not be overlooked due to studies that lump all probiotics together as one.”

We can’t help but agree. Not only are our strains studied for efficacy, but we are constantly researching new strains and potential combinations. Additionally, all of our probiotics are manufactured in small batches as this provides you with fresh, newly isolated probiotics. All of our probiotics are genetically tested by a third-party company to ensure you know exactly what you are putting in your body, and it is off the highest quality. Check out our production article. We use probiotics that deliver results and come from quality sources. Here are just a few:

·  Ivy League Athlete

·  GQ Model

·  HBS Graduate

·  World Championship Rower

·  World Championship Pentathlete

Probiotics are taken by millions of people daily and not just because of the hype. But, because of their success. Our customers are just a few of the many who have positively benefited their health and performance. We are determined to be on the forefront of probiotic use in athletes, and we continually adapt our products to support this goal.

So, before you accept the words of CNN, let’s remember that this mainstream article fails to summarize all the scientific findings in both its title and its text of the AMA, and that gastrointestinal health is just one piece of the vast puzzle that is probiotics. We at Craft Microbiome strive to provide you the most updated information and the most effective products, so you can unlock your full athletic potential.  

How Are Craft Probiotics Made?

When you are looking online or in the store for probiotics, how do you know what to look for? How do these brands know what exact probiotic strains are in their pills? We breakdown how we at Craft Microbiome hand-select our probiotics and test to confirm that what’s on our packaging is actually what you are going to get.

How do we know what we have, is what we have? First, we have to know what we are looking for. What is different, what is unique and what is your regular run of the mill probiotic? There are a few ways to do this. 

The hard way, take a sample (if you’re thinking it, you know it, sample is what comes out our rear-end), pulverize it, and break all the probiotic DNA into little bits, no longer than 160 base pairs. From there we attach synthetic DNA with special coding that only an illumine sequencing machine can read. We place the sample with the special coding into a Illumnia next gen sequencer, and after about 12 hours the machine will give about 12gb of data that we parse through and try to understand the entire population of bacteria. If we would like to see how the bacteria in the digestive tract changes over time, we sample more often and attach more special coding to understand how bacteria change in response to an event, be it a race, an academic test, or a stressful acting performance. 

After growing the samples, we begin to pick colonies and place them on a special plate. At the same time, we create a replica sample that continues to grow in a small chamber. We send the plate to a third-party company to confirm the sample bacteria ID is actually what we want. This process is critical to ensure we are providing you with key performance probiotic strains.

After the ID is confirmed, and the replica is growing, we track the growth into a small batch in the ideal growth conditions. We work in small batches as this provides you with fresh, newly isolated probiotics. These probiotics are then sent back to confirm their ID for production.

You may be thinking that this is TMI, but we want to be transparent with how we do things around here!

What is Craft Microbiome All About?

Probiotics don’t just come from the store.

They come from people, just like you and me. They also come from animals, plants, the soil, and the air we breathe. They make us healthy and they make us unique. They have a symbiotic relationship with us, and us with them. We affect each other more than anyone knows.

The field of microbiome research is ever expanding, and every day brings more questions on how deep and how immeasurable the relationship between host and probiotics go. As an individual grows and changes, so do the probiotics inside of them. A prime version of yourself at the peak of your abilities will have different probiotics living within you than yourself as a middle schooler.  As we grow and age, and the food we eat changes, so do the probiotics living inside of us.

But as we all know, everyone is different. And so are the probiotics we take. Not everyone trained everyday of their lives to break the two hour marathon feat, but someone did. Not everyone traveled to outer space, but someone did. Not everyone went to Harvard Business School, but someone did. All of these people had their probiotic companions traveling with them for every step of the journey. These probiotics have broken the two hour marathon barrier, traveled to outer space, and graduated from Harvard Business School.

Craft Microbiome is changing the way the world views probiotics, gut health, and performance supplements by providing you with probiotics from these elite athletes and elite scholars. For the first time in the history of the planet, these traveling companions, these out of this world probiotics are available to everyone. To add and change to your own probiotics to create your own ideal version of yourself.

Have you ever wanted to be a national team athlete, after buying Craft Microbiome probiotics, a small piece of you has.

And that might just be the difference for you. A part of me has and that part will teach the rest of me how to do it!