LISTENING TO YOUR GUT
As technology continues to rapidly advance so does our expertise in the area of the human body (not as quickly as a new iphone is released of course!). Studies are showing the increasing significance our digestive system plays in our overall health & wellness. This also includes prevention of most major diseases. The Digestive system is a complex system comprised of our mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small/large intestines. The primary roles of the digestive system is to digest & absorp; breaking down food into small enough components to be moved across the intestinal wall and into the blood and lymph system. Our digestive system is also a host for beneficial microbes & microflora; which account for approximately 90% of the cells in our body! We are basically comprised of more bacteria than cells. Not to mention all of the enzymatic and hormonal processes that take place even when we DECIDE to eat. - now who can say the human body isn't simply amazing?!
Please continue reading to learn more about our GI tract and the numerous responsibilities bestowed upon this lengthy system.
GI, You do all THAT?!
Gut/Brain Connection
An area of science that I find completely intriguing is what they are learning about the gut/brain connection. I have highlighted here the most exciting news:
We have learned that the nervous system found in the gut & brain have a direct connection from the brain stem to the gut, via the vagus nerve. This is the primary route of communication between the two. You may remember having a 'gut-feeling or butterflies' or feeling a knot in your stomach when you are stressed or mad. Communication at it's finest!
Previous studies believed that neurotransmitters were only produced in the brain, but now we know differently. In fact, some of our neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, are actually found in larger quantities in the gut. Serotonin is involved in regulating brain functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, memory and metabolism. Here is where we can make connection with GI disturbances and mood disorders. Treating the gut & balancing neurotransmitters are a fantastic, holistic way of treating mood disorders.
70% of immune system surrounds our intestines
- When gut is 'leaky' the unabsorped food enters our bloodstream & attacks our cells
- Unabsorbed food can also be converted into neurotoxins that gain access to our brain
- Over 200 auto-immune diseases are born in the gut
Gut flora is responsible for a host of system function & regulation:
- Produces antibacterial & antiviral organisms
- Ensures new cells are born healthy
- Aids in digestion & metabolism of food
- Produces the whole spectrum of B-vitamins
GI IS AFFECTED
BY:
- Physical activity
- Composition & quality of meals
- Emotions
- Medication
- Illness
COMMON DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES:
Constipation/Diarrhea
Reflux
Celiac: An Autoimmune response to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) that damages the small intestine's ability to absorb nutrients. If untreated can lead to many deficiencies.
Diverticulitis: painful pockets that have formed in the colon
IBS:(Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Can cause constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Can be triggered by stress, food intolerances, high fat, lactose intolerance, hormone imbalances, or environmental sensitivities
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammation of digestive tract and can cause pain, bloody diarrhea, cramping, fever, weight loss.
Lactose Intolerance: As we age less lactase (enzyme to digest milk) is produced. Therefore, the undigested lactose makes it's way through our GI tract acids and gas draw water to the lower intestine causing diarrhea.
Leaky Gut Syndrome:
The lining of the intestines is a selectively permeable membrane that keeps metabolic toxins, environmental toxins, bacteria, fungus, mold and toxins of bacteria out of the body. When the integrity of the lining is lost, it allows these undesirable elements to flood into the blood stream. This event overloads the liver and lymphatic system. Which leads to up or down regulation of the immune and endocrine system. This is often directly responsible for many conditions such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, acne, skin problems, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid and other auto-immune diseases, fatigue, obesity, loss of mental activity, brain fog, reoccurnig Otis media and upper respiratoy infections in children, migraines, hormone imbalances, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How does this problem develop? The most common cause is antibiotic therapy and secondly, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
The fast-paced, toxin filled lives we live today can have major adverse affects on our digestive systems. It is not just the food we ingest (although this is the key starting point) this also includes our lifestyle choices and the environmental influences we are subjected to. This is why taking advantage of my coaching program can be so transformational! True healing of your gut must be addressed from a physical, emotional, practical and spiritual standpoint. Email missnutrish@gmail.com for your FREE consultation or call me today 817.994.9136
Additionally, if you or someone you know is suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders please have them explore the option of balancing their neurotransmitters. First, you must have them read and this testing can be found at Natural Therapeutics This holiday season give yourself & your loved ones the gift of balanced, sustainable health.