immy is a natural supplement containing a bacterium called Mycolicibacterium aurum Aogashima (M. aurum), a naturally occurring strain that flourishes on Earth’s surface in dirt or mud. When introduced into your body, M. aurum has a remarkable effect on reducing inflammation, which is inextricably linked to anxiety and our ability to manage stress.

While there is still much to learn about M. aurum, current studies* confirm that M. aurum’s  powerful interaction with the immune system results in beneficial regulation and control of it. Recent research reveals the strong connection between mental health and inflammation (as seen through the Gut-Brain Axis), and evidence continues to mount of the linkage between these issues which were previously considered unrelated. Studies also show that M. aurum may reduce chronic inflammation through the pathways created between your gut and your brain. We now also know that the brain can control the gut and its immune responses – creating a virtuous loop.

Researchers have described what is known as the “Old Friends” hypothesis to explain the role the gut microbiome plays as a mediator of inflammation. In earlier times, we encountered this bacterium and its related organisms, which include M. vaccae and M. obuense in nature, and experienced its beneficial effects, but our exposure to our “Old Friends” has decreased as populations have shifted from rural to more urban living. Modern societies are seeing an increase in inflammatory issues, such as autoimmunity disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. Poorly regulated inflammation is linked to depression, reduced anxiety coping, and reduced stress resilience.

Research supports that our gut and our brains are intricate systems that communicate bidirectionally. Our understanding of the gut-brain connection reveals that our digestive system is far more influential than previously known.

The gut-brain connection involves:

• Vagus Nerve: This pathway links the gut and brain, carrying signals in both directions.
• Neurotransmitters: The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, influencing mood and cognition. Disruptions in gut serotonin levels are associated with depression and anxiety.
• Microbiota: Trillions of gut microbes aid digestion and metabolism. They can also affect brain function via neurotransmitter production and other mechanisms. Through their communication with the vagus nerve, your gut microbiota plays a role in stress response and coping. immy interacts with the microbiota in your gut to reintroduce healthy bacteria into your system.
• Immune System: The gut and immune system are closely linked. Gut immune signals can influence brain function, with gut inflammation tied to conditions like depression. immy interacts with immune cells in the lowermost small intestine where there is a large concentration of immune cells, called the Peyer's patches. These cells detect and counter continual exposure to pathogens and infectious agents.
• Wi-Fi and LAN – While the vagus nerve acts like a cable or LAN connection, immune cells also circulate through the blood and lymphatic channels throughout the body, acting like a Wi-Fi signal.

The microbiome-gut-brain axis influences anxiety coping, stress response, and social development, and is increasingly captivating researchers. immy plays a powerful influence on your gut microbiome and plays a pivotal role in anxiety and stress response.

immy does not colonize in the gut as it passes through the body naturally each day - which is why the daily intake is required to ensure constant interaction between M. aurum and the gut. Probiotics can interact negatively with medications and antibiotics, causing damage or complete eradication of the flora created by the probiotic. As a heat-killed friendly bacteria, immy is not damaged by antibiotics and has no known drug interactions, making it safe for consumption with any nonprescription or prescription product.