A Brain Injury Doesn’t End with the Initial Trauma.
Recovery Requires Stabilizing the Secondary Injury Cascade.
Traumatic brain injury begins as a mechanical event — but for many patients, the long-term challenge lies in the persistent biologic processes that follow.
Chronic neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier vulnerability, microvascular dysregulation, gut–brain axis disruption, and impaired neurotrophic signaling may continue long after the acute phase has passed.
GBA Gut-Brain Axis is a physician-formulated medical nutrition system designed to support long-term neurologic stability and complement advanced therapeutic modalities.
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Barrier-First Approach: Rebuilding the Body and Brain’s Protective Walls
The Structural Event
Traumatic brain injury begins as a mechanical force to the brain, leading to:
• Axonal shearing
• Membrane disruption
• Ionic imbalance
• Acute metabolic crisis
Immediate. Structural. Disruptive.
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Clinically Supported Science: Targeted Nutritional Support
The Biologic Response
Following the initial trauma, a complex cascade unfolds that may include:
• Neuroinflammation
• Microglial activation
• Blood–brain barrier disruption
• Oxidative stress
• Excitotoxic signaling
• Microvascular impairment
Elements of this cascade may persist beyond the acute recovery window.
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Comprehensive Neuro-Recovery Protocol: Integrated System
Where Long-Term Outcomes Are Determined
For many patients, incomplete resolution of the secondary cascade may contribute to ongoing symptoms, including:
• Persistent inflammatory signaling
• Barrier vulnerability
• Vascular dysregulation
• Gut–brain axis disruption
• Impaired neurotrophic support
Designed to support stabilization during this chronic phase of recovery.
The Visionary Behind GBA Gut Brain-Axis
Scott Bukow, CFMP, CCN, CHC
- Former Lead Educator Metagenics & IFM
- 25+ Year Medical Food Formulator
- TBI Survivor & Clinical Specialist in TBI recovery
- Recommended by The Brain Injury Association of America
Global Authority
Former Lead Educator for Metagenics and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM); instrumental in training physicians and practitioners across 24 countries and six continents.
Master Formulator
25+ years of experience in clinical nutrition formulation, specializing in molecular precision and bioavailability to ensure therapeutic-grade neurological outcomes. Knowing the right forms of an ingredient, the best suppliers, when and when not to combine certain ingredients and what ingredients when combined produce significantly superior outcomes.
Systems-Biology Pioneer
Combines a pharmaceutical background with 30 years of Functional Medicine expertise to address the 5 well established in the literature, dysfunctions of a Traumatic Brain Injury-1. Neuroinflammation (the root causes) 2. Breached Blood Brain Barrier, 3. The Gut/Brain Axis, 4. The 400 mile microvascular network and 5. Using these compounds which no drug can accomplish to stimulate BDNF, NGF, Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity.
Preeminent TBI Survivor Expert
Successfully reversed his own severe Traumatic Brain Injury (2014) by identifying the 5 dysfunctions. Addressing them simultaneously with the most effective compounds that synergistically work together.
Clinical Researcher
Leads an international clinical practice where he utilizes validated neurological assessments to measure physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery in "non-responsive" cases.
Advocate & Educator
Recognized educator for the Brain Injury Association of America and recipient of the World Trade Center Award for advancing Functional Medicine into 24 countries. First to introduce probiotics as an adjunct therapy to antibiotics in Australia. First to obtain 34,000 pharmacies of distribution with a German Phyto-Pharmaceutical.
Interested in learning more? Contact Scott Bukow to see if this is right for you.
This formulation provides targeted nutritional support for:
Calm Neuroinflammation
A TBI triggers neuroinflammation, which is the root cause of most ongoing symptoms. However, inflammation in the brain doesn’t come from just one source—there are six different inflammatory triggers that can keep re-igniting damage if they are not addressed. Until neuroinflammation is calmed, symptoms often remain or worsen over time.
Seal and Protect the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB)
The blood–brain barrier is your brain’s security fence. After a TBI, it becomes “leaky,” allowing immune cells, toxins, and inflammatory substances to pass through. When this happens, the body can mistakenly attack its own brain tissue and molecules released during the injury get tagged as foreign. If the BBB is open, these immune attacks can continue—and healing cannot fully occur. Sealing the BBB is essential for stopping ongoing immune-driven brain damage.
Heal the Gut and Microbiome
A TBI causes a rapid shift from healthy bacteria to unhealthy bacteria in the gut, leading to leaky gut and gut–brain axis dysbiosis. This sends inflammatory cytokines back to the brain, which can: 1) Kill neurons; 2) Trigger microglial overactivation (the brain’s immune system); 3) Increase anxiety, depression, and cognitive symptoms. The gut must be healed and sealed to stop inflammation from constantly being sent back to the brain. Otherwise a bi-directional inflammatory loop continues and even worsen.
Repair the 400-Mile Microvascular Network
Your brain depends on a vast network of tiny blood vessels—over 400 miles of microvasculature—to deliver oxygen, glucose, and nutrients. TBI and inflammation can damage this system and lead to: 1) Restricted blood flow; 2) Reduced oxygen and glucose delivery; 3) Calcium deposits in capillaries; 4) Build-up of metabolic waste. If circulation through this network is not restored, the brain cannot fully repair or regain normal function.
Support Neuroplasticity, Neurogenesis, BDNF, and NGF
Once inflammation is calmed, the BBB is sealed, the gut is restored, and microvascular flow is improved, the environment now allows the brain to heal. The right clinically studied compounds can support: 1) Neuroplasticity: rewiring and restoring functional connections; 2) Neurogenesis: creation of new neurons; 3) BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): a key growth factor that strengthens synapses, improves learning and memory, and supports long-term brain repair; 4) NGF (Nerve Growth Factor): supports the survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons, helping damaged nerve pathways recover. This is how patients begin experiencing lasting improvements—not just symptom management.
Calm Neuroinflammation
A TBI triggers neuroinflammation, which is the root cause of most ongoing symptoms. However, inflammation in the brain doesn’t come from just one source—there are six different inflammatory triggers that can keep re-igniting damage if they are not addressed. Until neuroinflammation is calmed, symptoms often remain or worsen over time.
Support Healthy Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB)
The blood–brain barrier is your brain’s security fence. After a TBI, it becomes “leaky,” allowing immune cells, toxins, and inflammatory substances to pass through. When this happens, the body can mistakenly attack its own brain tissue and molecules released during the injury get tagged as foreign. If the BBB is open, these immune attacks can continue—and healing cannot fully occur. Sealing the BBB is essential for stopping ongoing immune-driven brain damage.
Support the Gut Barrier and Microbiome
A TBI causes a rapid shift from healthy bacteria to unhealthy bacteria in the gut, leading to leaky gut and gut–brain axis dysbiosis. This sends inflammatory cytokines back to the brain, which can: 1) Kill neurons; 2) Trigger microglial overactivation (the brain’s immune system); 3) Increase anxiety, depression, and cognitive symptoms. The gut must be healed and sealed to stop inflammation from constantly being sent back to the brain. Otherwise a bi-directional inflammatory loop continues and even worsen.
Support the Brain’s 400-Mile Microvascular Network
Your brain depends on a vast network of tiny blood vessels—over 400 miles of microvasculature—to deliver oxygen, glucose, and nutrients. TBI and inflammation can damage this system and lead to: 1) Restricted blood flow; 2) Reduced oxygen and glucose delivery; 3) Calcium deposits in capillaries; 4) Build-up of metabolic waste. If circulation through this network is not restored, the brain cannot fully repair or regain normal function.
Support Neuroplasticity, Neurogenesis, BDNF, and NGF
Once inflammation is calmed, the BBB is sealed, the gut is restored, and microvascular flow is improved, the environment now allows the brain to heal. The right clinically studied compounds can support: 1) Neuroplasticity: rewiring and restoring functional connections; 2) Neurogenesis: creation of new neurons; 3) BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): a key growth factor that strengthens synapses, improves learning and memory, and supports long-term brain repair; 4) NGF (Nerve Growth Factor): supports the survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons, helping damaged nerve pathways recover. This is how patients begin experiencing lasting improvements—not just symptom management.
Precision Formulated to Support Neuro-Gut Recovery
Suggested Use: Targeted AM/PM Formula for Optimal Neuro-Gut Recovery. As a dietary supplement, take one (1) scoop with or w/o food, in the morning with 12-16 fl oz of water. Take one (1) scoop with or w/o food in the evening with 3 capsules.
Some patients start with a ¼ dose of AM and PM plus one capsule the first day. ½ dose the second day 2 capsules. This is mainly to see if any gastric upset which is not common.Then full dose the 3rd day.
See the Data for Yourself
Below is an example of self reported data from a patient who was 12 yrs Post TBI and getting worse.
Every traumatic brain injury is unique, and no two individuals follow the same trajectory. While GBA cannot treat or cure a TBI, its comprehensive medical-nutrition approach is designed to support the underlying systems that influence all five key dysfunctions involved in neurologic health.
The following timeline reflects how these clinically studied compounds may synergistically support gut–brain axis balance, neuroimmune regulation, vascular health, barrier integrity, and neuroplasticity over time.
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| Physical | Start | Now | Cognitive & Emotional | Start | Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Discomfort | 10 | 8 | Attention | 4 | 1 |
| Energy & Stamina | 6 | 2 | Recall & Retention | 4 | 1 |
| Physical Comfort | 1 | 0 | Decision Making | 4 | 1 |
| GI Comfort | 4 | 1 | Processing Speed | 4 | 1 |
| Restful Sleep | 6 | 2 | Verbal Recall | 4 | 1 |
| Mobility | 8 | 3 | Communication Ease | 5 | 1 |
| Light Tolerance | 7 | 1 | Emotional Balance | 6 | 2 |
| Muscle Control | 8 | 1 | Stress Response | 5 | 1 |
| Vision Comfort | 8 | 1 | Initiative | 5 | 1 |
| Stability Coordination | 5 | 1 | Positive Mood | 4 | 1 |
| Swallowing Ease | 5 | 1 | Self Regulation | 4 | 1 |
| Cell | Cell | Cell | Impulsivity | 2 | 2 |
Timeline of Support with GBA Gut–Brain Axis Medical Nutrition
Recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) varies widely and depends on factors such as injury severity, time since trauma, and a person’s overall metabolic and vascular health.
While no nutritional program can treat or cure a TBI, many individuals report noticeable changes when the underlying systems that influence neurologic health are supported — including neuroimmune balance, gut–brain axis health, vascular function, mitochondrial efficiency, and neuroplasticity.
Foundational Gut & Neuroimmune Support
Primary System Focus:
Gut–brain axis balance, healthy inflammatory response, and mitochondrial support.
- Support for digestive comfort and regularity
- Support for energy, focus, and emotional steadiness
- Support for healthy gut barrier function
- A calmer neuroimmune response associated with gut-brain axis balance
Barrier Integrity & Microvascular Support
Primary System Focus:
This is where most patients notice significant physical, emotional and cognitive changes- Healthy blood-brain barrier structure, healthy gut lining and microbiome, microvascular function, oxygen nutrient delivery and continued calmer neuroimmune response.
- Support for endothelial health and tight-junction integrity
- Support for healthy blood–brain barrier function
- Support for oxygen–nutrient exchange that contributes to clearer thinking
- More consistent focus, steadier mood, and improved daily stamina
- A more balanced gut–brain axis
Neuroplasticity & Long-Term Neurologic Support
Primary System Focus:
Neuroplasticity, mitochondrial efficiency, and long-term vascular-immune balance.
Educational Note:
While experiences vary from person to person, many individuals report more consistent progress when using a systems-based medical-nutrition approach that supports all five foundational areas of neurologic health—rather than relying on single-pathway strategies
- Support for pathways associated with neurotrophic factors (BDNF/NGF)
- Support for memory, focus, and multitasking capacity
- Sustained cognitive performance linked to mitochondrial and microvascular support
- Ongoing support for gut, vascular, and neuroimmune health
Doctor Endorsments
Expert consensus: what practitioners are saying