The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) is one of the major drivers of health in the gut, so why is it that you’ve probably never heard of it? To put it plainly, it didn’t fit into the western medical model of how the body should operate.
In modern history our medical system has viewed the body mechanically - similar to how we view a machine, many components working independently to produce an action. A classic example would be with the suppression of heartburn. In order to reduce stomach acid, over the counter antacids are used as a solution, however it doesn’t consider that a certain acid threshold is required to close the esophageal sphincter. Therefore, less acidic gastric juices can lead to a sphincter that doesn’t fully close - also leading to heartburn!
As you can see, when viewing organs and systems independent of eachother we fail to see the body as a whole unit, and how each system is interwoven into and communicating with the other. From this perspective it is easy to miss the significant impact an individual's level of fulfillment from life, and the quality of their social circle will impact wellness perceived and physical.
Now, with the scientific community developing an interest in the effects of the mind on the body, we are able to see how these systems communicate with one another and what can go wrong if the signal is distorted.
Common Conditions exhibiting a disrupted Gut Brain Axis
IBD
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Stress
Gut-Brain Axis - What is it?
The Gut-Brain axis refers to the back and forth communication within the central nervous system (CNS) between the brain and the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gut. These two systems communicating together link the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with intestinal functions of the gut. However, it is not only the CNS and the ENS responsible for communication. It is now believed that the gut microbiota also play a significant role in the back-and-forth communication of the brain and the ENS.
The Gut-Brain (and Microbiota!) axis has been confirmed in studies, but also in practice. When looking to clinic there is evidence of GBA distortion in patients with dysbiosis (disturbed gut microbiota). It was found that they are more likely to, and more frequently, present with: central nervous system disorders, such as anxious and depressive behaviours, and functional gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What does the Gut-Brain Axis do?
The GBA is responsible for maintenance of gastrointestinal homeostasis, and is believed to have effects on other aspects of nervous system functioning like expression of emotion, motivation and higher cognitive functions. The GBA is thought to play a key role in the monitoring and unification of gut functions, as well as connecting the brain to intestinal functions. Additionally, the GBA also links to mechanisms for immune activation, intestinal permeability, peristalsis, and ENS-endocrine signaling.
Functions the GBA regulates:
Bowel motility
Secretion of digestive compounds
Return to relaxation post-stressful event
Mood regulation
Mediation of inflammation
Respiratory functions (swallowing, breath rate)
These deeply entangled interconnections display that viewing the body as separate and distinct systems is a failure to understand the complexity of the human body - enter holistic medicine...
Read Lost In Translation Part 2 to find out more about your second brain - your gut!
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