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.⁣
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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. ⁣
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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⁣
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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)