Life University Celebrates Student Research Success with Publication on Chiropractic Care and the Gut–Brain Axis

Marietta, Georgia – March 27, 2026-Life University proudly announces that Ms. Amy Warner Campbell, a March 2026 graduate of the Doctor of Chiropractic program, alongside her faculty advisor Dr. Christie Kwon, has published groundbreaking research in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation. Their article, titled “Chiropractic Care, the Gut–Brain Axis, and Gastrointestinal Function: A Narrative Review with Real-World Feasibility Insights,” explores the intersection of chiropractic care and gastrointestinal health through both scientific literature review and practical, in-clinic application.

This research was made possible through the Life University RISE Scholarship, a program dedicated to supporting student-driven research initiatives. As part of the project, Campbell and Dr. Kwon implemented a three-month integrative gastrointestinal care protocol within a chiropractic practice, generating real-world insights into feasibility and patient engagement. The work underscores the critical need for expanded research and financial investment to support pragmatic trials in authentic clinical environments.

Dr. Kwon praised Campbell’s perseverance and scholarly excellence, stating,

“Amy’s dedication to this project amidst unexpected obstacles and the challenges of practice-based research are commendable. She is a brilliant individual who has much to contribute to the chiropractic profession. This publication is a wonderful capstone to her time as a student.”

The authors also extend their gratitude to Dr. Samantha Brooks, Life University alumna and the clinical provider who contributed to the practice-based portion of the study.

About Amy Warner Campbell

Campbell, a second-generation chiropractic student, hails from the sunny beaches of South Africa. Before pursuing chiropractic, she was recruited to the U.S. to row at Yale University, where she followed a pre-med track and earned acceptance to medical school. Her perspective shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as she observed a healthcare landscape heavily focused on medications and vaccinations, with limited emphasis on lifestyle, wellness and immune resilience. This experience sparked her pursuit of a holistic, chiropractic-centered path.

Prior to enrolling at Life University, Campbell worked at the Medical University of South Carolina, researching the gut microbiome’s influence on bone development in adolescents. Her work contributed to multiple publications, including a notable study titled “Specific Commensal Bacterium Critically Regulates Gut Microbiota Osteoimmunomodulatory Actions During Normal Post Pubertal Skeletal Growth and Maturation” in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

During her time at Life University, Campbell explored numerous dimensions of chiropractic practice and completed her capstone research through the RISE Scholarship Program. Following graduation, she plans to join a multi-practitioner wellness center, where she aims to further integrative, collaborative and patient-centered health care.

Founded in 1974, Life University is a health sciences institution most known for its College of Chiropractic. Undergraduates can pursue more than a dozen undergraduate degrees; a pre-chiropractic, degree-seeking pathway; and premier graduate degrees within the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. Some degree programs are offered to distance learners through the College of Online Education.

Life University strives to empower our students to succeed both professionally and personally. At Life U, we innovate our approach to higher education while also remaining true to our philosophical commitment to produce informed leaders who exemplify humanistic values in their professions. To achieve this goal, LIFE recognizes and demonstrates its dedication through three official Life University Values: Lasting Purpose, Vitalism and Integrity.

Life U’s 110-acre campus in Marietta, Georgia, just northwest of Atlanta, is home to more than 2,400 undergraduate, graduate and professional students who come from all 50 United States and more than 60 countries.

For more information about Life University, please visit life.edu.