Welcome to 🧠 Second Brain!

Eat your way to better mood, energy, and brainpower with simple, science-backed tips on the gut microbiome and nutrition. From scientist, dietitian, and former chef, Dr Emily Leeming.

🔗 All subscribers get access to the Second Brain vault, packed with cheatsheets, checklists, and other useful PDF downloads.

Your gut is your second brain

Your gut and brain are in constant communication. In fact, much of the messaging flows from your gut to your brain via the vagus nerve.

Ever wondered why we say things like:

“Gut feelings”
“Butterflies in your stomach”
“Feeling punched in the gut”?

It’s because your gut and brain are powerfully connected.

Emerging research shows that your gut microbiome - a community of 100 trillion tiny organisms living in your gut - may influence your mood, memory, and focus.

This vagus nerve connection is just one of the ways gut microbes may impact your brain - there are other pathways too.

We already know that what we eat affects how we feel because our body and brain rely on the nutrients in food to thrive.

Now, we’re discovering that gut microbes are an extra player in this gut-brain relationship, that we didn’t know about before.

And taking care of them?

A new added dimension to feeling and performing at your best.

With Second Brain, you’ll get:

Simple, science-backed advice for a healthier gut microbiome.
Practical tips on what to eat to boost your energy, mood, and focus.
Straightforward answers busting common nutrition myths.
Easy, delicious recipes to support your gut health.

From a scientist, dietitian, and former chef

Second Brain is written by Dr Emily Leeming PhD MSc RD, registered dietitian, microbiome scientist at King’s College London, TEDx speaker, author, and former chef (that’s me, hello, hi!).

I love writing about science and nutrition in a way that's simple and practical, and always keeping flavour and the joy of eating in mind too - thanks to my past as a chef.

After all, there’s nothing sadder than an unloved bowl of dressing-less salad leaves, or thinking of all the things you ‘can’t have’.

Instead, let’s focus on what to ‘add-in’ instead.

I also write for the Daily Mail and Women’s Health magazine, and in 2024 my first book Genius Gut was published (affiliate link).

You can also connect with me on Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Second Brain is a big part of what I do, and I pour a lot of time and care into creating it. If it brings value to your life and you believe in supporting creators for their time and expertise - I’d love for you to consider becoming a paid subscriber.

What Second Brain paid subscribers get

Weekly deep dives on gut health, nutrition, and actionable advice.
Full access to the archives - explore every post I’ve written so far.
Exclusive community access for discussions and chat.
Recipes and tools to help you take action.
Actionable takeaways at the end of every post, so you know exactly what to do next.

What Second Brain free subscribers get

One full post every three weeks, packed with practical tips and insights.
Bonus posts and extended previews of weekly paid content to keep you connected to everything happening in Second Brain.

Hope to see you soon!

Emily xx

Subscribe to Second Brain

Your gut is your second brain 🧠 Eat your way to better mood, energy, and brainpower with simple, science-backed tips on the gut microbiome and nutrition.

People

Dr Emily Leeming PhD

@dremilyleeming

Feel better, think clearer, eat smarter. I'm a dietitian and microbiome scientist sharing simple, science-backed tips for your gut and brain. My favourite F-word? Fibre.