Mitochondria, Microglia, and the Gut-Brain Axis: A Functional Framework for Neuro-Longevity

Date: Saturday, May 2

Time:  noon – 1:30 pm

Speaker Bio

Brendan Vermeire is a Mental and Metabolic Health Researcher, Functional Health Practitioner, and Educator. He is the founder of the Metabolic Solutions Institute and the Functional Mental Health Practitioner Certificate Course (FMHP™), as well as the creator of The Mental M.A.P.™ lab panel and NeuroCeuticals™ supplement line.

A Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Master Nutrition Coach, Brendan began his career in fitness and nutrition at 18 after a medical discharge from Navy SEAL training. Today, he’s recognized as a leading expert in metabolic health and functional education, dedicated to changing the way the world understands mental health through research, teaching, and clinical innovation.

Description

Mitochondrial dysfunction and gut-brain axis disruption are deeply intertwined drivers of chronic illness, particularly in conditions involving neuroinflammation, fatigue, cognitive decline, and mental health disorders. This presentation explores the central role of mitochondria as bioenergetic, immunologic, and neuroendocrine hubs, and how their dysfunction amplifies stress signaling across the gut-brain axis. We will examine the impact of microbial metabolites, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines on microglial activation and neurodegeneration. Clinicians will learn how to integrate foundational lifestyle strategies with targeted nutrition protocols to support mitochondrial health, modulate inflammation, and restore communication between the gut and the brain. Special emphasis will be placed on the clinical relevance of short-chain fatty acids, redox balance, circadian rhythm, and vagal tone in restoring neuro-metabolic resilience.

Learning Objectives

• Apply clinical strategies for addressing neuroinflammaging, fatigue, and cognitive decline through mitochondrial and microbiome support.
• Describe the reciprocal relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and gut-brain axis disruption in chronic and neuropsychiatric conditions.
• Explain how mitochondrial stress drives neuroinflammation and microglial activation.
• Identify key lifestyle interventions that restore mitochondrial function and gut-brain communication.
• Discuss the role of the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in supporting neuroendocrine and immunologic balance