10 Shocking (but Science-Backed) Health Facts You Were Never Taught in School
At Neurohealth Wellness, we believe that real health education empowers you to heal and thrive. Yet so many vital truths about how your body works never make it into standard school curriculums.
Let’s explore 10 surprising (yet evidence-backed) facts that can dramatically change how you view your health—and how you care for your body every day.
1. Most of Your Immune System Lives in Your Gut
Roughly 70–80% of your immune system resides in your gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) [1]. Your gut isn’t just for digestion—it’s a central hub for immune regulation. A balanced microbiome helps your body distinguish between friend and foe, reducing unnecessary inflammation.
👉 What we do at Neurohealth: Our chiropractors and nutrition-informed care help identify and reduce sources of gut dysfunction. Ask us about nervous system links to digestive health.
2. Chronic Stress Can Shrink Your Brain’s Memory Centre
Studies show chronic stress can cause the hippocampus—the part of your brain that stores memories—to shrink over time due to excess cortisol [2]. This affects memory, focus, and even emotional regulation.
👉 We help you reset: Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce stress-related muscle tension and improve parasympathetic tone. We also recommend pairing it with breathwork, mindfulness, and if needed, hypnotherapy with Katarina to rewire stress patterns.
3. Your Skin Absorbs What You Put on It
Certain chemicals from personal care products can enter your bloodstream in minutes, especially those with solvents or hormone-disrupting ingredients like phthalates and parabens [3].
👉 We recommend: Natural skincare, toxin-aware living, and lymphatic-focused massage from Ana, which supports detoxification and circulation.
4. Walking Barefoot (Earthing) May Help Balance Your Nervous System
Research suggests that walking barefoot on natural surfaces can reduce cortisol, improve heart rate variability, and help regulate circadian rhythms [4].
👉 Ask us how: We encourage “reconnection” practices like grounding, especially for nervous system regulation and postural retraining. Our chiropractors work to reconnect you with how your body was designed to move—free and grounded.
5. Chronic Dehydration Mimics Anxiety and Fatigue
Even mild dehydration can reduce focus, worsen mood, and mimic symptoms of anxiety and brain fog [5]. It’s often overlooked—but critical.
👉 Our tip: Start your day with water before coffee. We also check for joint stiffness or fascial tightness that might be worsened by dehydration. Dr. Tristan and Lucinda can guide your recovery through chiropractic and movement strategies.
6. Plastic Containers Can Leach Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Reheating food in plastic containers can leach bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates, both known endocrine disruptors [6].
👉 Simple swaps: Use glass or stainless-steel food storage. Talk to us about how hormonal health affects musculoskeletal pain, energy levels, and sleep.
7. Sunlight Regulates More Than Vitamin D
Sunlight impacts serotonin, melatonin, and other hormones vital for mood, energy, and sleep [7].
👉 At Neurohealth: We often recommend morning sunlight exposure to help reset circadian rhythms—especially for clients struggling with fatigue, insomnia, or pain flare-ups. Combine it with postural exercises from your chiro session for amplified benefit.
8. Many Skin Issues Start in the Gut
Conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea often reflect gut dysbiosis, not just surface inflammation [8].
👉 Whole-body healing: Our team looks beyond the symptom. We treat the root cause by supporting the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and digestive health holistically.
9. Most People Don’t Chew Their Food Properly
Chewing is the first step of digestion, and rushing this process burdens your stomach, leading to bloating and poor nutrient absorption [9].
👉 Slow down and nourish: We remind patients that healing isn’t just hands-on—it’s daily habits like mindful eating, hydration, and movement.
10. Smelling Rosemary May Improve Memory
Amazingly, research shows that the scent of rosemary can enhance memory and cognitive performance by increasing alertness and acetylcholine activity in the brain [10].
👉 Brain + body connection: Whether you’re seeking better mental clarity, performance, or recovery, our integrative care helps you perform at your best—naturally.
Rebalance Your Health at Neurohealth Wellness
These “shocking” truths are only shocking because they’re rarely taught—but at Neurohealth Wellness, they are at the heart of how we help you live pain-free, move well, and thrive.
Whether you're recovering from injury, managing stress, or looking to boost your resilience, we’re here to support you.
📍 Visit us in Allambie Heights on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
📞 Call us on (02) 9905 9099
📅 Book online now: www.neurohealthwellness.com.au/booking
References:
- Belkaid Y, Hand TW. Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell. 2014.
- Lupien SJ, et al. Effects of stress throughout the lifespan on the brain, behaviour and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009.
- Janjua NR, et al. Systemic absorption of topical sunscreens. Br J Dermatol. 2008.
- Chevalier G, Sinatra ST, Oschman JL. Earthing: health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth's surface electrons. J Environ Public Health. 2012.
- Benton D, Young HA. Do small differences in hydration status affect mood and cognitive function? Nutr Rev. 2015.
- Rudel RA, et al. Phthalates, BPA, and food packaging. Environ Health Perspect. 2011.
- Weller RB. Sunlight has cardiovascular benefits independently of vitamin D. Br J Dermatol. 2016.
- Bowe WP, et al. Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis. Gut Pathog. 2011.
- Cassileth BR. Digestive health and nutrition. Integr Med Clin North Am. 2010.
- Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, Duckett P. Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults. Int J Neurosci. 2003.
