Monday Mar 10, 2025

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