#autism and the GI tract

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hi everyone,

I found a fascinating article talking about the link between the gut micro biome and autism. Here are some excerpts from the article:

“A new paper, authored by no less than 43 scientists of various disciplines, has found the strongest link yet between gut microbes, host immunity, genetic expression in the nervous system, and dietary patterns.”

“Today, scientists know that people with autism are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and vomiting.

What's more, in recent years, researchers have begun to find links between the makeup of microbes that call our guts home and neurodevelopmental disorders, like ASD.

Nevertheless, this connection isn't always consistent, and some experts have argued it isn't gut bacteria that trigger ASD, necessarily; it could be that kids with autism are more likely to restrict their diets because of 'picky' eating, which in turn influences the kinds of bacteria that persist in the digestive tract.

The new study incorporates 10 existing datasets on autism and the microbiome, plus 15 other datasets regarding dietary patterns, metabolism, immune cell profiles, and gene expression profiles of the human brain.”

The full article will be below in case anyone would like to read more.

Autism

[spaghetticat3899]

The devil shivers when the menstrual cycle and GI-problem-autism share goals: misery

[fenrislorsrai]

I highly suggest Ashley Montagu's "Touching: the human significance of the skin". It has an extremely short section on autism because this book is 40 years old now, but had an interesting take on what the connection is.

This book is an overview by a physical anthropologist on what exactly the skin does. A large portion is devoted specifically to feedback loops and fetal and child development. It's also a tough read because, OOF, a bunch of the info on what can go wrong is about the Harlow monkey experiments (which no ethics committee would sign off on today and even then, jesus) and on what happens to orphaned babies who aren't touched enough.

It's a ROUGH read. But when it came out, the whole idea that "babies need to be touched" was kind of weird theory. Now every neonatal unit is going out of its way to make sure infants get touched because we know Bad Things Happen. A lot of key development things are related simply to getting the right kind of sensory input from the skin.

And the GI tracts and connective tissue play into that as well. You're not as consciously aware of the signals you get from internal sources as your external skin, but they're there. They also are part of feedback systems to get your body to develop specific systems at specific times. Rocking in particular was way, way more prevalent in the kids that didn't get sufficient touch, because it also stimulates the whole damn GI system to develop correctly. It was the body attempting to correct a deficit in tactile data to get back on track.

This was not "oh no, autistic kids aren't getting touched enough!" this is "the signals they SHOULD be getting to steer development don't seem to be getting there for some reason, or are arriving garbled." Like a kid with hearing issues or auditory processing issues is going to have trouble developing language skills, no matter how much you talk to them. They're not receiving the info needed.

Because of the age of the book, he didn't have much info to make a direct connection between touch related sensory processing disorders and autism. Maybe somebody's doing something in mice, but that's hard to directly bring over to humans because we have such a long period of infancy. And obviously you can't run experiments in severe child neglect, just gather info on horrible cases and then compare outcomes and try and find commonalities.

It may also be wrong on the connection, but it sure makes a compelling case that stimming is an effective self regulation tool and is particularly vital to infants and toddlers. And if you don't get to do it, or receive no data or garbled data from it, development diverges in specific ways.

comorbid disorders are either like "yeah ok, makes sense" or "what the fuck"

adhd and autism having a high comorbidity rate? yeah checks out

adhd and autism both having high rates of comorbidity with hypermobility and GI issues? thats an evil curse

[startwithfiber]

Gut Health

The stomach and intestines comprise many microbiomes. These microbes, especially bacteria, are known for breaking down food and converting it into essential nutrients that the body needs. However, not all microbes are good since some bacteria harm your health because they cause discomfort and other illnesses.

Interestingly, certain bacteria are more frequently present in people with conditions like obesity, cancer, autism, and so on. So, the availability of beneficial or harmful microbiomes can be used as an indicator in determining gut health.

However, the food you eat plays a significant factor in impacting the type of bacteria in the gut. It’s because the food has both acute and long-term effects in promoting a conducive environment for either beneficial or harmful bacteria.

According to, Jay Pasricha, M.D. director of Johns Hopkins Center for Neuro gastroenterology, bad gut health affects not only the digestive system but also the physical and mental health.

Actions That Lead to Bad Gut Health

Poor Diet

Research indicates that a poor diet comprises food that lacks fiber supplement vegan. Fiber, an indigestible component of carbohydrates, is the main food source for the beneficial microbes in the GI tract. Consuming plant based fiber powder promotes the prebiotic nature of healthy microbiomes.

In other words, a lack of powdered fiber will starve beneficial bacteria leading to decreased beneficial activities in the gut.

That said, a poor diet also includes low-nutrient processed foods, typically rich in sugar. Studies indicate that such low-nutrient processed foods establish a conducive environment for the survival of harmful microorganisms. It’s because the harmful bacteria thrive on high sugar content in food.

Since the body’s immune system tries to keep these bacteria under control; the body ends up suffering inflammation in various tissues. And so, consuming processed foods can often lead to chronic inflammation of the gut.

Additionally, poor diet also affects food breakdown in the stomach and the small intestines. In this case, the active beneficial gut microbes end up producing harmful metabolites. After all, unhealthy foods will break down into smaller unhealthy particles.

So if a person consumes an unhealthy diet for long; odds are that person will weaken his gut lining and make it susceptible to inflammation.

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can significantly affect gut health through the secretion of stress hormones. In the long run, this may cause gut permeability. Excess of certain hormones especially cortisol, often results in the loosening of the intestinal lining. When that happens, harmful substances seep through the digestive system, causing inflammation and bad gut health.

Moreover, the gut comprises many significant microbes that aid in digestion and immune function. Research findings indicate that chronic stress affects the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

It’s because stress hormones inhibit certain aspects of daily life such as eating, water intake, and other activities. Since these activities enhance the flourishing of beneficial bacteria; a lack of these can make the gut pretty harsh for beneficial bacteria.

Consequently, mostly harmful bacteria survive. However, some of these tend to ingest the gut lining, causing inflammatory bowel disease.

Lastly, the gut plays a vital role in enhancing immune system functioning. So, stress can trigger an immune response, thereby, making your body susceptible to autoimmune conditions and gut inflammation.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can harm gut health by disrupting the composition of gut microbiota. The excess alcohol leads to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut and minimizes the levels of the beneficial bacteria. It’s because harmful microbiomes can survive in abnormal gastrointestinal conditions, unlike the beneficial ones.

Since the alcohol component disrupts gut conditions, this causes a microbiome imbalance called dysbiosis which results in inflammation of the gut.

Alcohol also interferes with the absorption of vital nutrients and triggers malabsorption in the digestive system. This is confirmed by research where most alcoholics were found to be suffering from some nutritional deficiency. Besides, alcohol also affects appetite.

Continuous excess alcohol consumption can result in alcoholic gastritis, and pancreatitis, and may also move to other body organs like liver disease.

Dehydration

Water is essential in promoting gut health through digestion and absorption. Water has been termed the “forgotten nutrient” when it comes to microbiome research since the focus is commonly on diet and not water.

One recent study has demonstrated that there is a difference in microbiome composition between heavy water drinkers and low water drinkers, but more research is needed.

The Signs of Bad Gut Health

Digestive Discomfort

Indigestion, gas, and bloating are challenges of digestive discomfort that may indicate problems with your gut. Bloating might indicate dysbiosis in the gut because of trouble breaking down specific components of meals. This dysbiosis of the gut microbiota may be a result of indigestion; promoting excessive flatulence.

Stomach pains may indicate inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Similarly, constipation or diarrhea may reveal abnormalities in your gut.

Irregular Bowel Movement

Chronic constipation and diarrhea are common signs of an existing gut problem. A constant disruption in bowel movements might indicate a microbiome imbalance in the gut flora by the harmful microbes.

Consuming a low-fiber diet causes constipation. Meanwhile, it’s the gut inflammation that causes diarrhea. Acute constipation or diarrhea, while uncomfortable, is usually not caused by microbe imbalance in the intestines. Rather, these are issues mainly associated with stomach overreacting to acute problems — such as stomach flu.

Food Sensitivities

The Abrupt onset of food sensitivities may indicate poor gut health. You may have problems with the gut’s capacity to digest and absorb nutrients, resulting in food sensitivities effectively.

Research suggests that changes in the gut lining caused by microbiome imbalance may lead to food sensitivities and are one of the signs and symptoms of impaired gut health.

Things Someone With A Bad Gut Can Do to Improve Their Gut

Adopt a Gut-Friendly Diet

Your gut health requires incorporating whole, nutrient-dense, high fiber protein powder, foods into your diet. So, you should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods provide vital nutrients that promote a diverse microbiota necessary for a healthy gut.

Plant based fiber supplement content is crucial because it provides a conducive environment in the gut for beneficial microbiomes to flourish and allows steady bowel movement. Some soluble fibers include legumes and fruits, while insoluble ones are vegetables and whole grains.

Stay Hydrated and Consume Fermented Food.

Routine adequate hydration is essential for a healthy gut. Water intake plays a critical role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Apart from hydration, incorporating fermented food in your diet is also advised because they are rich in prebiotic beneficial bacteria that enhance gut health.

Some foods, such as yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi, are excellent options for supporting prebiotics in the gut.

Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars

Overconsumption of processed foods and sugar can result in an imbalance in gut bacteria. Therefore, you should reduce your intake of processed foods and added sugars because they may promote the flourishing of harmful bacteria that may result in poor gut health.

Consider Probiotic Supplements

Probiotic supplements are one of the alternative options to enhance gut health. The supplement promotes beneficial microbiota, hence reducing the imbalance in the gut.

However, you must consult a healthcare professional to determine and recommend an effective probiotic that aligns with your current condition.

Get Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity has many health benefits, including a healthier gut microbiome. Engaging in physical activities enhances body metabolisms that ensure food intake, absorption, and overall body wellness.

Regular exercise activities, including walking, cycling, and jogging, should be done consistently.

Working out promotes healthy bacteria in the gut, which minimizes inflammation and enhances immune function. According to research, moderate endurance workouts can enhance gut health regardless of some influential factors like eating habits.

To achieve gut health, you should make it a norm to exercise regularly.

Prioritize Sleep and Manage Stress

Quality sleep of about 7–8 hours daily is essential for gut and overall health. Research indicates that quality sleep enhances the repair and regeneration of your digestive system and the whole body.

Stress management is essential for gut health as chronic stress can cause hormonal disturbances as well as appetite variations. And so, stress may cause a person to over-eat or not eat enough.

So, if you are experiencing chronic stress, then a good idea is to engage in stress-relieving activities such as meditation and yoga.

Consult with a Healthcare Professional

Suppose your gut problems persist despite incorporating various methods to combat the issue. It is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. They can conduct different tests to locate the underlying problem and offer effective treatment options to prevent adverse conditions that could result in other health complications.

If you are under cancer treatment, you must always inform the care team whenever you notice any bowel changes or rapid weight gain or loss.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption negatively affects your microbiome. It leads to gut irritation and causes gastritis. The irritation can lead to inflammation, which causes bacterial infections, ulcers, and chronic discomfort.

If you want to have a healthy gut, you should limit your alcohol consumption to help prevent intestinal and gut inflammation.

Conclusion

Your gut is digesting food for you. And so, it’s the part of your body that gives you the energy to live. That’s why you must have a healthy gut with a balanced microbiome, proper digestion, and absorption of nutrients. An imbalance in the gut’s regular function may result in issues like constipation, diarrhea, weight gain, and bloating.

But you can avoid all that and keep your gut healthy by simply making healthy diet choices and choosing a more active lifestyle.

[justkeepstimming]

Autism and Epilepsy

Here’s your friendly reminder that autism and seizures sometimes go hand in hand. Not always, but sometimes it does.

Had an ambulatory EEG this past week, and I was very annoyed at it. I thought it wouldn’t show anything, and it wasn’t worth the sensory nightmare for three days. Not really something I was excited about, but I pushed through it – trying to figure out ways to keep my sensory system regulated. My weighted blanket was a lifesaver for this one.

I haven’t been feeling very well, but shrugged it off because I have things to do. I figured since I was taking my seizure medication, I should be good. Right?

And then yesterday, we got a call from the neurology office. Turns out it was abnormal – and I also had a 20 minute episode. They want me to come in to see the doctor, so they can discuss all of the results with me.

I guess maybe that explains why I’ve been so disoriented and tired lately. I’ve been a lot more overwhelmed and dysregulated – and it shows.

_

Sometimes our “behaviors” are actually because of medical reasons. It can be hard to explain how we’re feeling, and it can also be hard to realize that something is wrong too. Professionals don’t always realize this, and push families to “fix” the behaviors – instead of taking the time to rule out health issues.

A kid hitting their head? Could be migraines, post-seizure, an ear infection – or maybe even flashbacks from trauma.

Toileting troubles or accidents? Urinary tract infections, incontinence medical conditions, and GI problems can all play a role in it. Not to mention interoception!

Not paying attention or daydreaming? Sometimes that’s actually an ‘absence’ seizure.

And when it comes to families trying their best to figure out what’s happening? The system is complicated.

It can be hard finding specialists who understand autism, getting insurance to cover it, and doctors that take your concerns seriously. Parents have to deal with gaslighting, accusations of overreacting, and more.

And when you’re autistic yourself?

They take you even less seriously, especially when we have trouble explaining how we feel and what’s wrong. We’re seen as “unreliable narrators” or incompetent of understanding our own bodies and brains.

The medical field definitely has some work to do.

-Courtney Johnson, @justkeepstimming

[nationalcandidacenter]

Leaky gut—does it exist? Fact or fiction

Numerous discussions about the so-called "leaky gut syndrome" are currently taking place in the medical world. Experts in alternative medicine contend that the illness is common and contributes to poor health

However, the majority of medical experts believe that there isn't enough evidence to demonstrate that it's a real problem. broad

Gastrointestinal permeability and absorption

Let's begin by defining the gut and its "normal" functioning. The term "gut" refers to the large intestine, although the small intestine is also considered here. Before being absorbed, everything we eat passes through a lengthy tube in our intestines. The phrase "intestinal permeability" refers to the restriction of material moving from the gastrointestinal system through the cells lining the gut wall into the rest of the body. The small gaps (tight junctions) in the intestinal wall regulate the absorption of compounds. Normal intestinal permeability permits nutrients to travel through the gut. It also acts as a protective barrier for toxic compounds to leave the intestine and spread to other parts of the body. 

The structure of the intestine can be weakened for a variety of reasons. If it doesn't function properly, toxic metabolites and microbes penetrate the blood system through these gaps. This causes havoc in the body, causing symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, inflammatory bowel disease, fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, irritability, moodiness, insomnia, autism, and skin conditions. Leaky gut is not a recognized medical condition. In fact, several doctors challenge its very existence. Science does not support any of these statements, so this is all just an assumption. However, chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions may be caused by high intestinal permeability. There have been many comprehensive investigations done on the barrier role of the intestinal lining, yet a feasible approach to detecting leaky gut has not been established. Though much scientific research has been done, there is currently no reliable diagnostic test available.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome doesn't necessarily have any symptoms, but intestinal hyperpermeability still occurs as a result of damage to the intestinal lining. Inflammation is brought on by the molecules that escape from the gut into the bloodstream, which increases the chance of developing certain chronic illnesses. There can be inflammation and potential immune system problems.

Bloating, nausea, and cramping are common symptoms. Increased intestinal permeability can also lead Evento a variety of other symptoms, such as mental anxiety disorders, headaches, cognitive fog, allergies, exhaustion, and joint discomfort. 

Proposed treatments

Many of the treatments that practitioners of leaky gut syndrome advocate are based on diet plans. They claim that most individuals have major issues with eating habits. They advise patients to stay away from high-sugar foods (even fresh fruits), asserting that the extra sugar leads to an overgrowth of a particular strain of yeast in the GI tract, which causes harm to the intestinal wall. Additionally, they assert that sensitivity to lactose or gluten can also harm the bowel. So they advise people to stay away from all dairy products and gluten-containing products.

But the fact is that fruits will never make yeast attack the intestines. A small portion of people have symptoms from eating gluten and lactose, but the majority of people have no issues with these foods. Following these practitioners' advice will likely result in nutritional deficiencies rather than reducing symptoms.

Many practitioners also recommend essential supplements to treat leaky gut. They provide unproven treatments for a condition with no known medical cause. Furthermore, using these supplements can end up costing a lot of money. Because many of them have not been thoroughly researched, they can do little to alleviate symptoms and may even be harmful to our health.

Natural remedies for leaky gut

As with most digestive disorders, the most common treatment for leaky gut is diet modification and management. These changes are intended to prevent or reduce inflammation in the gut. A healthy diet in general can help control inflammation, and getting the right nutrients can help protect the intestinal barrier. Because Leaky Gut Syndrome has a variety of causes, it's critical to make all of these changes under the guidance of a certified physician, ensuring the right treatment.

There are some natural leaky gut treatments. In general, the best ways to protect your intestinal barrier are to support your digestive health and avoid inflammation. Because these are all healthy lifestyle changes, your overall health may benefit as well.  

Here are a few natural leaky gut remedies:

Drink 8–10 glasses of water to aid digestion.

Increase your intake of vitamin D to reduce intestinal permeability and leakage.

In order to protect your intestinal barrier and reduce inflammation, increase your zinc intake.

Consume probiotic foods to increase the number of bacteria in your gut.

Provide prebiotics for your healthy bacteria.

Maintain an anti-inflammatory diet. Even if this diet does not specifically treat leaky gut, it is still very nutritious and may benefit your overall health.

Eat baked or steamed fruits and vegetables instead of raw fruits and vegetables to avoid digestive issues.

If you have any further questions or concerns about 'leaky gut syndrome' or intestinal permeability, contact Natural cure for leaky gut in Sanford.

[drannbarter]

How to Improve your Gut Health

Gut health is now becoming a national obsession. The good news is that there are simple ways to improve your gut health. You can improve your gut health by reducing stress, eating foods that contain prebiotics and fiber, exercising, and getting enough sleep.

Your gut microbiota has a tremendous impact on your overall health. It influences the function of your immune system, brain, and hormones. In addition, it plays a role in neurological conditions like autism. Keeping your gut bacteria healthy can prevent chronic illnesses. If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may be at risk for developing mental health disorders.

The best way to how to improve your gut health is to maintain a balanced diet. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Limiting processed foods and saturated fats can also help. These types of foods contain vitamins and minerals that your body needs. A diet that contains plenty of protein can also strengthen your digestive tract. Using a probiotic supplement is another way to increase your gut's health. A probiotic is a live bacteria that your body can benefit from.

Your microbiota is made up of trillions of bacteria. While some of these bacteria are harmful, others are beneficial. The more "good" bacteria in your gut, the healthier you will be. Your gut bacteria can be weakened by stress, which causes inflammation. You can reduce your stress by incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine. You can also practice deep breathing to calm your nervous system.

Some of the foods that are most helpful for improving your gut health include fiber-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, and plant-based foods. You can add nuts and seeds to your meals. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can keep your digestive tract healthy. These nutrients can also lower cholesterol and oxidative stress. You can also try adding some turmeric into your diet, which can kill off harmful bacteria.

If you have a problem with your digestive system, you should consult a doctor or therapist. You can also try meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress. Practicing yoga or progressive muscle relaxation can also be beneficial. You can take a quiz to find out what your gut microbes look like. This is an easy way to figure out what your symptoms are and how to improve them.

Your gut microbiota is composed of 40 trillion bacteria. This means that there are a lot of different strains of bacteria to choose from. Your gut bacteria need certain foods to thrive. This is why it is important to have a variety of bacteria. It is also a good idea to avoid greasy, salty, and fried foods. These kinds of food can cause GI issues for many people.

You can also add in a few prebiotics into your diet. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. You can get prebiotics from foods like bananas, garlic, onions, and oatmeal. These foods have also been found to increase the numbers of helpful bacteria.

[lesbianslovebts]

First day of vacation and my intestines are fucking killing me. 🙃 My whole GI tract sucks because of autism, IBS, and whatever else. It's a balancing act of Cimetidine, Lansoprazole, Tums, Miralax, Pepto Bismol, GasX, like...why do I have to suffer daily? I just want to eat, digest, and shit, but apparently that's too much to ask.

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Autism & Gastrointestinal Issues

Neurodivergent_lou

[aghostintheforest]

i’m torn... i have the spoons for one grocery run, but the bread i like, and the peanut butter i like are sold at two different stores and i’m out of both

[cutepilled]

anyway on the topic of autism why has my gi tract been so fucked up for the past few days ive been drinking alcohol more than usual but like it’s not like i’ve been going hog wild

[builder051]

Eleven?

Twenty?

If you could give any advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Not that it all gets better, exactly, because it doesn't. It really doesn't. But it all comes together, kind of? Like, all the weird symptoms I had throughout my childhood can now pretty much be collated into the files of gender dysphoria, autism, BPII, and GI tract disease. There's just about nothing left that I can think of from my younger years that sticks out as mysterious or unplaceable beyond those categories. It's kind of like a, 'huh, they all do fit', kind of feeling.

What kinds of things are good sensory wise?

My room, which has a C-frame hammock swing in it, as well as a bed full of pillows (most of them in Marvel pillowcases). Everything is waterproofed, since my feeding stuff sometimes leaks and I have continence issues, but I have so many pillows and dolls/stuffed toys of Marvel characters and fuzzy blankets with Marvel characters... It's really nice.

I also, um, really like to be high? Like, a low dose, just enough to give me a 2-hour session with some animations and colors and shapes and lights on the backs of my eyelids while I listen to a movie or some music... I have been told this is a sensory seeking behavior and not necessarily a bad thing, so long as I keep my usage to occasional.

[rmalab]

Your Gut and Autism

In today’s scientific community, the microbiome is top of everyone’s mind. We are learning that a very high portion of the body’s functions have a connection to the colonization of bacteria that lives in your gut. We also know that the North American lifestyle doesn’t typically foster the healthiest of microbiome flora. Learn More

[paleorecipecookbook]

Your Gut Microbiome and Anxiety: What’s the Connection?

Did you know that your gut bacteria can influence your mood? Read on to learn about how the gut and brain communicate with each other, the evidence that connects the gut microbiome and anxiety, and how to fix gut dysbiosis.

Is Anxiety in Your Brain or in Your Gut?

Approximately 18 percent of U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, characterized by apprehension and fear that can negatively affect productivity, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. (1) Pharmaceutical treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, manipulate the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Although these medications provide relief for some, they are often ineffective and can have serious side effects. (2)

Even if chemical imbalances were present in most people with anxiety (they aren’t), antianxiety meds fail to address a lesser-known contributor to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders: gut dysbiosis and dysfunction.

The brain and the gut communicate via a gut–microbiome–brain axis, and a growing body of literature indicates that a disrupted gut microbiome may contribute to a variety of cognitive and mood disorders, including: (3, 4, 5, 6)

Anxiety

Parkinson’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

ADHD

Sensory processing disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Schizophrenia

Psychosis

Autism

The bacteria in your gut hold immense power over you—they can even influence how you respond to stress. Check out this article to learn about the link between the gut microbiome and anxiety, and get tips on how to correct gut dysbiosis. #chriskresser #unconventionalmedicine 

How Your Brain and Your Gut Communicate

The brain and the gut can interact directly through the vagus nerve, which connects the central nervous system to the heart, lung, and digestive tract. The vagus nerve can be activated by many neuroactive molecules found in the gut. (7)

Neurotransmitters

Some gut bacteria species synthesize neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, and neurotransmitter modulators, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. In fact, more than 90 percent of the body’s total serotonin and more than 50 percent of the body’s total dopamine are synthesized in the gut, not in the brain. (8, 9)

Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

Dietary fiber is broken down by gut bacteria into anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs stimulate the sympathetic and autonomic nervous systems with neurological benefits. One example is butyric acid, which has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases in animal models. (10, 11)

Thyroid and Sex Hormones

Gut microbiota are involved in the release and degradation of hormones such as insulin, glucagon, leptin, as well as estrogen. (12, 13, 14)

Other Signaling Molecules

Neuroendocrine cells comprise about 1 percent of the cells along the protective gut lining, called the epithelium. These cells release over 20 neuroactive signaling molecules, including neuropeptide Y, oxytocin, ghrelin, and calcitonin gene-related peptide. (15)

The gut microbiome influences the brain across a lifetime. In the earliest stages of life, bacterial colonization of the gut is crucial for proper brain development.

Germ-free mice, which have no microorganisms in their guts, experience abnormal mental development and develop brain structure defects. (16, 17, 18, 19) Altering the gut microbiota with antibiotics or probiotics can either damage or improve memory, further supporting the role of the gut in brain function. (20, 21, 22) We also have evidence that microbiota regulate pain perception, impact the protective nerve sheath covers called myelin, and influence neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to reorganize and rewire from good and bad inputs. (23, 24, 25)

Because of the active gut–microbiome–brain axis, anxiety and other mood disorders can be influenced by the stability and diversity of the gut microbiome. Let’s look at some of the evidence that supports the gut microbiome and anxiety connection.

Your Gut Bacteria Determine How Your Body Responds to Stress

A healthy gut promotes a normal stress response through the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Gut microbiota are essential to the development and function of the HPA axis, and there is a critical developmental window when colonization must occur for the HPA axis to function normally. (26, 27) Germ-free mice exhibit an exaggerated HPA stress response, a hallmark characteristic of anxiety, indicated by excessive corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion. (28). The exaggerated response can be reversed by administering probiotics, but only in young mice. On the other hand, pathogenic E. coli worsened the condition.

As the gut microbiota mediate the stress response, stress can, in return, alter the gut microbiota. (29, 30) It’s a two-way street.

In mice, stressors like maternal separation early in life or prolonged restraint induce significant changes in the gut bacterial profile. (31, 32, 33) In humans, gut changes with stress have been reported, although the specific bacterial changes aren’t always consistent across studies (34, 35). Most likely a person’s individual response will depend on his or her gut microbial diversity, gut wall integrity, diet composition, and overall health.

Happy Gut, Happy You

Differences in gut microbiome compositions have been found in both animals and humans with mood disorders. In mice, depression and anxiety are accompanied by altered gut profiles. (36) Similarly, several human studies have found microbiota differences between patients with anxiety and/or depression compared to healthy control groups. (37, 38, 39) In one small study, lower levels of a particular bacterial genus, Faecalibacterium, correlated with more severe depression. (40)

Gut dysbiosis can lead to anxiety, and re-establishing the gut microbiota can mitigate anxiety-like behavior. After pathogenic infection with Campylobacter jejuni or Citrobacter amalonaticus bacteria, mice developed anxious and abnormal behaviors, possibly through activation of the amygdala, a brain region that’s often implicated in anxiety. (41, 42, 43). Similarly, germ-free mice exhibit anxiety-like behaviors. (44) Probiotic supplementation has been shown to decrease anxious behavior in several mouse studies. (45, 46, 47, 48)

Interestingly, in another study, mice given oral antibiotics showed altered fecal microbiota, increased anxious behavior, and increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus region of the brain, all of which were resolved within a few weeks after stopping the antibiotics. When antibiotics were given to germ-free mice, no changes in behavior or BDNF expression were seen, indicating that the gut microbiome was indispensable for these alterations. (49)

In this same study, the researchers performed fecal microbiota transplants between two strains of mice with known behavioral differences. When the more timid and anxious type of mice were colonized with microbiota from the less anxious type, the mice increased their exploratory behavior and showed decreased anxiety. In reverse, when the less anxious mice were colonized with microbiota from the more anxious type, the mice decreased their exploratory behavior. Of note, these behavioral changes were not accompanied by changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain, further demonstrating that anxiety and other mood disorders have influences beyond the brain.

How to Fix Gut Dysbiosis

A healthy gut should have a diverse, stable, and robust microbiome with high gut lining integrity. Unfortunately, many factors present in our modern society contribute to gut damage:

Antibiotic overuse

Inflammatory foods like refined sugars, refined carbohydrates, and industrial seed oils

Inadequate fiber

Chronic stress

High alcohol consumption

C-section birth and formula feeding

Our 21st-century microbiomes are significantly less diverse than those of our ancestors, as well as the microbiomes of modern-day hunter–gatherers who largely adhere to their traditional diets. (50) We have a lot to learn about the ideal human microbiome composition, and just as there isn’t one ideal diet, there probably isn’t one ideal microbiome.

At this time, it’s difficult to noninvasively obtain snapshots of your microbiome along the entire GI tract. Fecal analyses are common, but what’s in fecal matter isn’t representative of the entire tract. Gut bacteria populations change and become denser further along the digestive tract, with the distal colon (the last sections) being the most densely populated.

Nevertheless, if you suffer from mood disorders like anxiety, or a host of other conditions like eczema, obesity, and GI disturbances, healing your gut might provide some relief. Start with these steps:

Treat any pathogens that might be present. The following recommendations (consuming fiber, bone broth, and fermented foods) will only go so far if you have an untreated, underlying infection.

Eat more fiber. Fiber feeds the microbiome, and low-fiber diets reduce microbial diversity. (47) Consider a prebiotic supplement.

Drink bone broth. Bone broth and other sources of collagen and glycine can repair gut integrity.

Consume naturally fermented foods, like natto, sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, raw milk, and kim chi.

Will Probiotics Help Your Gut Microbiome and Anxiety?

Researchers coined the term “psychobiotics” to describe probiotic strains with the potential to impact psychological health. Several human clinical trials have shown that probiotic administration can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and improve memory. (51, 52, 53) Specifically, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium longum have all improved scores of anxiety and/or depression in human clinical trials. (54, 55, 56, 57, 58) However, not all probiotic clinical trials have been effective for mood disorders. (59, 60)

If you’ve tried the above tips and still have gut issues, probiotic supplements could make a difference. A dizzying number of probiotic supplements are on the market, but Mark Ruscio categorizes them into five main varieties:

Lactobacillus

Bifidobacterium

Saccharomyces boulardii (healthy fungus)

Soil-based or spore-forming probiotics

E. coli Nissle 1917 (healthy form of E. coli)

As it will take a few weeks to notice a difference, finding the most beneficial probiotic supplement could be a process of trial and error.

Now I’d like to hear from you. Did you know your gut health could impact your mood? If you suffer from anxiety, what alternative therapies have worked for you? Let me know in the comments.

The post Your Gut Microbiome and Anxiety: What’s the Connection? appeared first on Chris Kresser.

Source: http://chriskresser.com January 24, 2019 at 03:36PM

[nationalcandidacenter]

Why is a healthy gut important for a healthy body, and how can it be restored and maintained naturally?

Maintaining a healthy digestive tract is essential to good health, and a compromised digestive system has been linked to an increased risk of numerous chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, autism, depression, and anxiety. Many scientists, including the National Candida Center, think that improving intestinal health and fixing the gut barrier are two of the most important medical goals of the 21st century.

Some people may find it hard to believe that one's digestive system can have such a significant impact on their health. However, it is essential to have a strategy in place before beginning your journey toward a healthy gut. Your general health and happiness could benefit from learning about the natural medicines for leaky gut if you're having these problems. Find out why a healthy digestive system is crucial to your well-being as a whole and how to get started on the path to recovery.

What is the Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the small intestine lining. When the intestinal wall comes in contact with inflammatory foods, toxins from food and water, or metabolites, gut cells can be damaged. A sufficient barrier is formed between the gut and the bloodstream by connections between the cells called tight junctions. This is essential for keeping larger food proteins and toxins from passing through the GI wall and into the bloodstream. When these tight junctions are disrupted and proteins leak out, the immune system mistakes them for foreign invaders and mounts an attack, leading to food sensitivities, allergies, and autoimmune disease. 

Finding and eliminating food sensitivities, healing the gut lining, supplementing with anti-inflammatory herbs, and eating a diet low in processed fats and carbohydrates are common treatments for leaky gut syndrome.

What are the factors that contribute to a leaky gut?

Many factors that harm the gut microbiome, such as antibiotics and an unhealthy diet, also contribute to leaky gut, a risk factor for many health issues.

Furthermore, certain substances can weaken the intestinal barrier and cause abnormal permeability. One of the main culprits, according to research, is a protein called zonulin.  

Zonulin causes the tight junctions between intestinal cells to loosen, leading to increased intestinal permeability. It has become clear that this is a crucial link between leaky gut and negative health consequences such as autoimmune diseases. Gliadin, which is part of the gluten protein, encourages leaky gut by stimulating the production of zonulin.  

Leaky gut and its effects on health:

A leaky gut can happen even if there are no obvious problems with the digestive system. In fact, research shows it can manifest as a wide variety of different chronic health problems, including eczema, autoimmune disease, and obesity.

It will be extremely difficult to improve conditions like blood sugar control and cognitive function if leaky gut is not addressed. This highlights the significance of taking measures to support a strong intestinal mucosal barrier.

A Few Easy Steps to Promote Natural Gut Healing: 

The first step in healing the gut is to follow a balanced lifestyle. Your gut health can be improved by avoiding foods that cause inflammation, eating more fiber, getting regular exercise, managing your stress, and getting enough sleep. Additionally, there are still many ways mentioned below in which you can improve gut health.

   1. Stop eating processed and inflammatory foods:

Change to a diet that is full of whole foods and nutrients. Find the inflammatory foods (like gluten and dairy) and stop eating them. Either a food sensitivity test or an elimination diet can help you figure out which foods are causing inflammation in your body.

2. Incorporate fermentable fibers:

Consume a diet rich in fermentable fibers, which can be found in plantains, onions, garlic, and artichokes, among other foods. These fibers encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut and aid in the healing of a leaky gut.

3. Include some fermented foods:

Probiotics, which are found in abundance in fermented foods, contribute to the maintenance of a balanced microbiota and intestinal barrier in the gut. Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, yogurt, and kefir contain probiotics. If you have histamine intolerance, you should avoid eating more fermented foods because they can make your symptoms worse.

4. Treat intestinal pathogens:

Infections in the digestive tract are a major contributor to gut dysbiosis and leaky gut. When consulting for a natural treatment for your leaky gut syndrome, make sure to ask about the tests you will need to ascertain the primary cause of your symptoms. With these, we can figure out which imbalances in bacteria, fungi, or parasites are causing gut dysbiosis.

5. Promote good sleeping habits:

Improve your digestive health by getting seven to eight hours of restful sleep each night. Sleep hygiene includes things like going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding blue light in the evening.

6. Create a workout schedule:

In order to maintain fit gut microbes, you should create a long-term exercise plan. Regular exercise has many positive impacts on your body. It helps with a good night’s sleep and reduces stress. 

7. Find a way to deal with your stress:

Include activities like yoga and meditation in your routine to help manage stress. The body-mind connection has a direct link to your digestive system, and it helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. 

Changing a person's diet and using other natural treatments can help them get and keep a healthy digestive system and live a happier, fuller life. The healthy trinity and 5-phase treatment plan made by the National Candida Center in Florida is a smart and methodical way to make the whole body healthy again. This research has shown that these techniques are superior to pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures. Get in touch with us at (407) 321-1377 or via email at (office@nationalcandidacenter.com) to find out more about our available treatment options.