The gut-brain connection

Emerging research indicates a strong connection between the brain and gut health, with each influencing the other. The complex communication system known as the gut-brain axis, which links these two components of the body, still holds many mysteries. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining good gut health can profoundly benefit brain health.
​
A recent study, featured in the American Journal of Physiology, presents a groundbreaking finding on how specialized cells in the gut wall communicate with sensory nerve endings. This discovery sheds light on the communication pathways of the enteric nervous system, often referred to as the "second brain," which interacts with both the brain and spinal cord. An intriguing fact is that the gut contains more nerve cells than even the spinal cord, and the enteric nervous system can function both in conjunction with and independently of the central nervous system.

The gut and the brain are linked through the Vagus Nerve, often referred to as 'the wanderer,' which is a component of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This connection explains why individuals experiencing depression and anxiety often report gut-related symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Perhaps you've experienced the sensation of "butterflies" in your stomach when feeling excited or nervous. This feeling results from the intricate network of nearly 500 million nerves that facilitate communication from the gut to the brain.

Both the gut and the brain are impacted by a shared neurotransmitter known as serotonin (5-HT). It's fascinating to note that nearly 90% of the serotonin in our bodies is produced in the gut wall, surpassing the levels found in the brain. This phenomenon has earned serotonin the nickname "happy hormone" due to its mood-stabilizing properties, playing a pivotal role in mental well-being and emotions.
Remarkably, several neurotransmitters crucial for mental health are either produced by gut cells or gut microorganisms. The gut takes responsibility for generating:
​

• 90% of serotonin (happy hormone)
• 50% of dopamine (pleasure-seeking hormone)
• 50% of melatonin (sleep hormone)
• 50% of oxytocin (hug hormone)
  ​
  

Modern lifestyles come with certain health disadvantages, such as poor dietary choices, sedentary habits leading to weight gain, exposure to various toxins daily, and coping with multiple life stressors. These factors have a complex impact on our metabolism, ultimately altering the composition of our gut microbiome and contributing to the prevalence of common diseases in today's world.

Research suggests a potential link between the quality of our gut bacteria and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, especially among individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition. Unhealthy gut bacteria can trigger inflammation, which serves as a critical signal and contributing factor to numerous diseases, including various neurocognitive disorders.

Although our genetic makeup influences the likelihood of certain diseases, our lifestyle choices significantly influence how these conditions manifest. Epigenetic factors, such as the use of antibiotics, mode of birth (caesarean section versus vaginal birth, impacting gut bacteria colonization), exposure to toxins, and consumption of highly processed diets, can activate or suppress genetic predispositions to diseases. Epigenetics describes processes that can speed up, slow down, or reverse gene expression.

In essence, we possess more control over our health than we may realize. A healthy gut and a healthy brain are closely interconnected. The phrase "heal your gut, heal your brain" emphasizes that focusing on optimizing gut health can lead to overall well-being improvements in numerous ways.

book now