The gastrointestinal tract is very sensitive to emotion due to the brain’s direct effect on the stomach. I’m sure you have experienced feelings such as butterflies or even the feeling of nausea, all due to a variety of emotions like anger, fear, stress, sadness, and excitement. Many studies have been done on the brain and prove there is a correlation between the brain and gut.
Neuroscience now recognizes that bacteria in the gut directly affects the brain. There are over 100 million neurons and cells that transmit information in the gut and intestines and 100 trillion bacteria and other microbes. They are estimated to weigh about two to six pounds, twice the weight of the human brain! These neurons extend from the esophagus to the anus.
In 2013 a study found that mice with features of autism had much lower levels of a common gut bacterium than normal mice. Those mice were stressed, antisocial and had the same gastrointestinal symptoms commonly found in autism. When the same mice were treated with the bacterium they were lacking, B. fragilis, their symptoms reversed.
To date there have been many studies that linked the gut bacteria and microbes, known as microbiome, to many behaviors and body functions:
- Mood
- Emotion
- Appetite
- Cravings
The gut microbiomes communicate with the brain through molecules produced by gut bacteria and then they enter the bloodstream. Research concluded that if a mother’s microbial ecosystem changes due to infections, stress, or diet, her newborn’s gut will change too and it can have a lifetime effect. When mice born through C-section did not receive their mother’s vaginal microbes, the first bacteria they are exposed to, they were born more anxious and had symptoms of depression, according to a study done in Ireland.
How do you know if you might have a leaky gut?
The gut contains very small molecules which regulate the intestinal permeability allowing the absorption of vital nutrients. In some people, gluten becomes like a gluey paste creating junctions inside causing the gut cells to release a protein to break up the tight junctions created resulting in a leaky gut. Once this occurs, toxins, undigested food particles, microbes and more can escape from the intestines and travel throughout the body with the bloodstream. Your body recognizes these invaders as pathogens and then attacks.
9 Signs to look for:
- Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Seasonal allergies or asthma.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- A diagnosis of an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease.
- Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
- Depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD.
- Skin issues – acne, rosacea, or eczema.
- Diagnosis of candida overgrowth.
- Food allergies or food intolerances.
What else causes a leaky gut?
While Gluten is the primary culprit there are other inflammatory causes like dairy, toxic foods, infections, sugar, medication and alcohol that can also be suspect.
How can you heal a leaky gut?
Let your healthcare provider diagnose you. If you do have a positive diagnosis then an elimination diet that removes the toxic and inflammatory foods for a period of time may be advised. The
4R Program is often recommended.
Get rid of the things that are negatively affecting the environment in your GI tract.
Add digestive enzymes.
Restore beneficial bacteria.
Provide necessary nutrients to help the gut repair. L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps rejuvenate the lining of the gut wall.
Always consult with your medical provider before trying any supplements.
A Functional Medicine physician can work with you if your symptoms are still present.
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Neuroscience now recognizes that bacteria in the gut directly affects the brain. There are over 100 million neurons and cells that transmit information in the gut and intestines and 100 trillion bacteria and other microbes. They are estimated to weigh about two to six pounds, twice the weight of the human brain! These neurons extend from the esophagus to the anus.
In 2013 a study found that mice with features of autism had much lower levels of a common gut bacterium than normal mice. Those mice were stressed, antisocial and had the same gastrointestinal symptoms commonly found in autism. When the same mice were treated with the bacterium they were lacking, B. fragilis, their symptoms reversed.
To date there have been many studies that linked the gut bacteria and microbes, known as microbiome, to many behaviors and body functions:
