10/06/2026
Welcome to the October edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter!
October invites us into a season of quiet transformation. As the days grow cooler and the landscape shifts, nature puts on one of its most brilliant displays. Leaves of deep red, burnt orange, golden yellow, and rich purple remind us that change can be both vibrant and restorative.
This seasonal shift is more than just a beautiful backdrop; it is a gentle cue from the natural world about diversity, nourishment, and resilience.
Just as a natural ecosystem relies on a wide variety of flora to thrive, our internal ecosystem—the gut microbiome—depends on a rich, varied diet to support our entire body and brain. The brilliant hues of autumn foliage come from specialized plant compounds like polyphenols and carotenoids that protect trees as the seasons change. When we bring that same colorful variety of plant foods, fibers, and whole grains to our plates, we directly feed the trillions of beneficial microorganisms living in our gut.
In this month’s edition, we explore two exciting highlights from recent health research:
- Starting Tomorrow: 5-Week Mindfulness & Breathwork Program: Led by Sacha Wolfson alongside brief brain science insights from Dr. Holly Bardutz, this updated program offers practical, seated mindfulness and breathing practices designed to calm a busy mind, relieve stress, and support long-term brain health.
- The Gut-Brain Connection: A featured article from Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology explores how gut microorganisms convert nutrients into signals that communicate directly with our immune system, metabolism, and brain.
- Plant-Based Eating & Cognitive Health: A new scoping review examines how quality plant-based dietary patterns foster microbiome diversity, supporting memory, glucose regulation, and mood stability.
- Upcoming Fall Events Lineup: Join us for our interactive fall series featuring expert-led sessions on neuroplasticity with Dr. Cameron Mang, brain health in midlife with Dr. Holly Bardutz, hormone optimization with Dr. Seema Goyal, the surprising connection between having healthy feet and a healthy brain with podiatrist Dr. Mino Deiana, and a lighthearted holiday brain science celebration of the holidays/Holly Days in December with Holly.
The overarching message this month is simple: nurturing your brain health is an ongoing, holistic practice. Whether it is adding a few more colors to your plate, stepping into a mindfulness practice, or learning something new in our upcoming fall events, every small step contributes to a resilient mind and body.
Inside, you’ll find all the details, research highlights, and registration links to help you stay engaged and nourished this season.
Here’s to vibrant health, a thriving mind, and savoring the beauty of the season.
Welcome to the October edition of Holly’s monthly newsletter! October invites us into a season of quiet transformation. As the days grow cooler and the landscape shifts, nature puts on one of its most brilliant displays. Leaves of deep red, burnt orange, golden yellow, and rich purple remind us th
