The effect of intestinal bacteria on the nervous system Did you know that when babies grow in their mother's womb, their gut and brain are formed from the same fetal tissue? So these two organs are actually inextricably linked for the rest of our lives, through what is known as the gut-brain axis. This explains why many of the neurotransmitters, which are the chemicals that mediate the functionality of the brain, are located in the gut. Serotonin, dopamine and GABA for example, are neurotransmitters that are created in the intestines. Recent studies have found that different types of bacteria can interact with the intestinal cells, and encourage the production of these neurotransmitters in the intestines, meaning that our bacteria help produce chemicals that affect the way our brain works at any given moment.
One of these chemicals is a substance called butyrate. Butyrate is an acid that has the ability to affect inflammation in the brain by changing the neurotransmitters and reducing nervous and mental symptoms such as anxiety, migraines, depression and brain fog.
Sometimes the opposite occurs, when there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, for example, the proteobacteria family - E. coli or Klebsiella. The harmful bacteria release toxins that cause inflammation in the nervous system and a decrease in serotonin levels, which actually leads to the same neurological disorders I mentioned earlier. Hence it is obvious that our gut ecosystem has a dramatic effect on our neurochemistry.
Another mechanism through which the microbiome (the population of intestinal bacteria) affects the nervous system is through the production of B vitamins. B vitamins are critical vitamins for maintaining the proper functioning of our nervous system. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and folic acid are produced in significant amounts by our gut bacteria. That is, if there are not enough good bacteria, there are not enough B vitamins, and this may impair the functioning of the nervous system.
The balance of gut bacteria is critical in the treatment of neurological disorders
It is interesting to discover that most of the neurological and mental problems such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, dementia, memory problems, and even Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are linked to leaky gut and increased production of LPS (lipopolysaccharides- type toxins which are produced by harmful bacteria). What do we conclude from this? There is a link between gut health and neurological disorders hence the treatment of neurological disorders must be carried out through the balance of the intestinal bacteria and a thorough rehabilitation of the digestive system.
Now you understand why people who have been dealing with anxiety and/or depression, sleep disorders, mood swings, brain fog, etc. can not solve their problems with psychiatric drugs. Medication is meant to obscure the symptoms, to suppress the nervous response, but these nervous disorders are only the tip of the iceberg, meanwhile, the root of the problem is much deeper!
The frustrating thing is, that psychiatrists and neurologist doctors in most cases will not recommend to their patients to make a dietary change, to try and identify food sensitivities or to encourage them to take probiotics or herbs. And this is understandable, it is not their field of expertise, but they should refer the patients to someone who can help them in these matters.
Treating nervous disorders naturally
I must admit, one of the most satisfying things in my job is seeing people come off psychiatric drugs (and other drugs as well). Suddenly after years of depression, anxiety and lack of mood, they feel liberated! They think clearly, they can handle stress in a healthier and more balanced way and they sleep through the night! Is there anything more satisfying than that?
Of course, this is not easy and does not happen overnight. Natural treatment of neurological disorders requires commitment, persistence and a profound change in lifestyle and diet. Restoration of the digestive system is carried out through nutrition and herbal therapy that supports digestion. The treatment also combines nerval support with "adaptogenic" herbs (stress coping enhancers) such as Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Hypericum and Rhodiola, which balance and regulate the activity of the nervous and endocrine system, elevate the mood and help relieve anxiety and depression. There are also many nutritional supplements that are sometimes integrated into the treatment when needed, such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
