By Zahavit Paz
Have you ever noticed that your emotions send signals to your stomach? We’ve all had moments where mental stress causes butterflies in our stomach and all sorts of digestive discomfort.
The brain can send signals to our digestive system, and all sorts of emotions — anger, sadness, anxiety — can send signals to our digestive tract and we may experience heartburn, loss of appetite, stomach aches and so on.
But it’s not a one-way street! Our gut has an extensive network of neurons. Hundreds of millions of them! It is so complex, and its effects so far-reaching,
some call it our “second brain.” Our gut is not only taking care of the business of digesting our food, but it is sending signals to the brain in our head.
It can tell us whether we’re hungry or have eaten too much, of course. What’s more surprising is that the signals from our gut affect our emotions, even our mental health.
Video: They say the second brain is in our gut.
An important part of your gut is the gut microbiota (formerly known as the gut ‘flora’). It is comprised of trillions of microorganisms that live in your gut, performing all sorts of functions, from helping with food digestion to strengthening the immune system. Your gut microbiota has a strong relationship with your body’s health.
We first heard the word microbiota in 1995 in the research of Glenn R. Gibson and Marcel B. Roberfroid
Research has shown changes in gut microbiota can impact mental health, learning, memory and inflammation.
Link: Mind-Altering Microbes
The Consequences of Antibiotic Use During Childhood
Antibiotics save lives but their overuse can result in long-term consequences. They can adversely affect our gut microbiome, killing off the microorganisms we need to be healthy. To avoid this, your doctor might recommend you use probiotics together with antibiotics.
Young children who were given antibiotics for such maladies as chronic ear infections and common colds may experience side effects later due to the damage to their gut microbiome. This can trigger a wide variety of problems later on: obesity, food allergies, delays in speaking, comprehension difficulties, poor balance and attention issues. In more severe cases, even hearing loss.
Link: CDC Advice on the use of antibiotics
How gut problems affect ADHD, dyslexia and learning disabilities
Many diseases of a psychological nature might actually have their origins in the gut problems. Dr. Natasha Campbell Macbride contends that many problems, like ADHD, dyslexia and learning disabilities are actually caused by problems with the gut microbiota. She tells us that an imperfectly functioning gut causes not only digestive problems but allows brain-affecting toxins to be absorbed by the blood.
People who suffer from dyslexia, ADHD, learning disabilities and autism spectrum often suffer from a lower functioning immune system as well. Remember that one of the gut’s roles is to protect us from harmful pathogens, and if it is not functioning properly, it can affect our overall health.
Another gut-related issue that affects people with ADHD is the fact that serotonin is mainly made in the gut. Serotonin is a chemical that plays many important roles in our body, including contributing to feelings of wellbeing and happiness and regulating our sleep cycles. We know that individuals with ADHD suffer from low serotonin levels. Many children and adults who suffer from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adhd) specific learning disability and dyslexia suffer from stress and anxiety and sleep problems.
Linking nutrition and the gut microbiota to child brain development
There have been several studies that showed the effects of gut microbiota on neurodevelopment, and how diet, nutrition and gut microbiota are instrumental in the development of children’s brains.
Podcast: Current Research in Mood & Gut Disorders with Simone Withecomb BHSc
What is Leaky Gut?
“Leaky gut” is a syndrome in which the protective layers of the gut, the ones that are supposed to keep toxins from being absorbed in the bloodstream, are not functioning properly. The toxins “leak” into the bloodstream causing a variety of problems. It can be improved by eating a healthier diet rich in fiber.
Probiotics and enzymes will help improve your gut flora.
Natural probiotics
There are ways to improve the quality of your gut microbiome. Probiotic supplements are available. There are also many natural ways to help your gut. Some fermented food contains live microbes that are helpful, like sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, yogurt, miso and kombucha.
You’ve probably heard that garlic is good for your health. One thing it does is promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics may help boost mood and improve cognitive function according to Harvard medical school.
Podcast Ben Greenfield on Optimising Sleep, Gut Health & Top Health trends 12 /26 /2019
Summary
When you improve your gut microbiome, it will help your whole body. It’s as vital as your brain, in fact, some researchers say it’s our second brain. Your gut will shape your overall health, your weight, your moods, your immune system and your allergies.
You can help improve your gut microbiome with healthy drinks like green tea, garlic, kefir, and cabbage juice. Also helpful are foods that are rich in antioxidants, like berries, nuts and beans, which will naturally improve your gut health.
Keeping up with some daily physical activity will help alleviate your stress, anxiety and improve your sleep — which will improve the health of your gut.
Keep away from food sensitivities and food that cause you to have allergic reactions. Protect your gut by choosing a healthy diet it will affect all your body and your mental health.
Other References:
Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, Dyspraxia, A.D.D., Dyslexia, A.D.H.D., Depression, Schizophrenia, 2nd Edition 2018
By Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride
The Un-Prescription for Autism: A Natural Approach for a Calmer, Happier, and More Focused Child
By Dr. Janet Lintala
Stress on Disease
Dr. Sheldon Cohen Carnegie Mellon University
Featured Image by Frank Flores / unsplash.com
Zahavit Paz is a co-founder of LD Resources Foundation. She’s a graduate of CUNY Graduate disabilities study program. She is often a presenter on Assistive Technology at professional conferences in schools and colleges and has written extensively on her personal struggle with Dyslexia and ADHD. She is an advocate for individuals with LD and provides resources and information through the LDRFA website. More info about Zahavit Paz.