The Brain-Gut Axis and Serotonin
The communication system between the brain and the gastrointestinal intestinal tract is referred to as a bidirectional one. That means the brain which is part of the central nervous system cross ‘talks’ to the gut and the gut ‘ talks ‘ to the brain. The way this communication happens is through a physiological mechanism that uses a neurotransmitter ( a chemical that is released from a nerve cell that sends an impulse from the nerve cell to another nerve, an organ, or a muscle) as a messenger of information.
In previous blogs we have noted how amazing the gut microbiome is, and science research has found it also has an important role in supporting the functions of the brain-gut axis. It has been suggested certain species of bacteria in your gut is important for the production of Serotonin. This gut bacteria are involved in manufacturing the body’s supply of Serotonin , which affects mood and your gut motility ( movement).
Therefore it is imperative we pay attention to maintaining a good microbiome. Refresh your knowledge on how by reading some of our other blogs.
You may have heard about Serotonin, this neurotransmitter is manufactured in the brain via a few complex chemical conversions , but did you know up to 90% of our serotonin supply is actually found in the digestive tract!
5 -HT ( the initial chemical serotonin is) is found in specialised cells in the gut called enterochromaffin cells (EC), and also particular types of immune cells and neurons.
We know through extensive research that low serotonin levels have been implicated in people feeling depressed in mood, it is not fully clear whether the depression causes the drop or the drop cause the depression.
Some studies have shown that low levels of serotonin in the neurons found in the gut may cause constipation in the individual due to slow motility of the large intestine.
Your gut has the capacity to communicate with your brain. Your brain also has a huge influence on your gut microbiome.
Such things as psychological stress we know can and will suppress your beneficial bacteria in your gut particularly the large intestine. This is so important as these stress induced changes may have a significant adverse health affect, leading to a possible overgrowth of harmful bacteria , more infections and inflammatory conditions of the gut , and more episodes of for example irritable bowel syndrome or a flare up of your current gut disorders.
When there is gut inflammation a chemical reaction of cytokines is released , possibly disrupting the brains neurological chemistry possibly resulting in anxiety and depression.
So what does this mean for you? And how can we at GutFit Health support you to maintain your gut health and wellbeing?
Treat yourself with kindness, eat foods that support your gut health. Some of these appear in previous blogs
Take a daily probiotic
Use our STARTER pack to keep your body eliminating effectively
Manage your stress through things that calm your nervous system and support your physical and mental well being. Ideas like breathing exercises, yoga, listening to music, Not constantly listening to the news, monitoring the conversations you have with yourself and others.
When GUTFIT is open again booking in for a series of colonics
Exercise, get out there rain, hail or shine, mask or no mask breathe the air in, get the blood and lymphatic system charged up, and notice how beautiful Mother Nature is out there
Laugh a lot, it is the best medicine !
Keep up contact with people that make you feel connected and happy
Hydration is important as supports gut motility, so a big bottle of water on your desk
Know you are doing the BEST you can at this time, at that is all each of us can ask of ourselves