EP11: Gut Check - The Science of Peak Performance
Your gut does more than digest food. It shapes your cravings, energy, and even your mood. So how can you work with it instead of against it? Liesl Bernard sits down with Sierra Simpson, founder and CEO of BrilliantBiome, to talk about the microbiome’s surprising influence on health and performance. After struggling with the effects of long-term antibiotic use, Sierra turned to science to heal herself and discovered the powerful connection between gut health and the brain. She explains how the gut-brain axis works, why enzymes and metabolites act as messengers between systems, and how small shifts in diet and lifestyle can create a big impact. Can changing what you eat really improve mental clarity? How does the microbiome affect peak performance for athletes and high achievers? Sierra breaks it all down with strategies, from incorporating whole foods and fermented products to using mindfulness techniques that strengthen the gut-brain connection. Whether you’re looking for better digestion, more energy, or sharper focus, Liesl and Sierra’s conversation offers insight into how your microbiome holds the key. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 02:21 Discovering the Microbiome 06:30 Tips for a Healthy Microbiome 09:16 Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics 13:14 Future of Microbiome Testing in Healthcare 17:35 Addressing Sugar Cravings and Candida 19:04 Lifestyle Changes for Microbiome Health 22:28 Holistic Approach to Health 30:08 Microbiome and Autoimmune Disorders 32:44 Dietary Recommendations for Inflammation 36:36 Accessing Brilliant Biome Services Links Connect with Sierra Simpson: www.brilliantbiome.com, discount code "KALON" Connect with Liesl Bernard: https://kalonstaffing.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieslbernard/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm