ibs and the gut brain connection
IBS and the Gut Brain Connection🧠
First off, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is the dysfunction / hyper sensitivity of the gut-brain axis. The body can’t shut off acute stress response. IBS can disrupt the gut nervous system, digestive enzyme production and muscular reflex system.
When the gut is inflamed due to IBS, it can impact the brain. Inflammation can affect neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.
IBS symptoms often go hand in hand with mood disorders like: anxiety and depression.
Serotonin, the “happiness” neurotransmitter is produced primarily in the gut (400 times more serotonin is found in gut than brain). This neurotransmitter controls motility, sleep, mood, appetite, and pain sensitivity.
Why is the gut and managing IBS so important? Well, its your second brain. Your gut:
~produces more neurons than the brain and spinal cord put together
~produces 90% of serotonin in the body
~same variety of neurotransmitters in the brain (20-30%)
~seems to have a mind of it’s own, only 1,200 nerve fibers are connect the brain and gut
~neurons control mechanical and chemical digestion
~produces GA, BA, BD, NF norepinephrine and dopamine
How to improve and manage IBS:
~visit a doctor, I personally prefer a naturopathic, or functional medicine doctor, to get to the root cause of IBS
~Finding food intolerances and allergies
~avoid allergens and intolerances
~Trying a Low-FODMAP diet
~Supplements like: chamomile, licorice, catnip, aloe vera, turmeric, boswellia, zinc, vit A, B, and C
~crowd out toxins like: alcohol, caffeine and allergens
~mediation and stress-reduction techniques, to calm ~both~ brains -> this is key because it will help reduce inflammation; try meditation, walking, yoga, watching your fav show/ movie, hot baths, massages. (This will look different for everyone)
