The Gut Is Your Second Brain
What exactly does this mean, and what is the connection between the gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders?
It is widely acknowledged that both Autism and ADHD are comorbid (30-50%), in other words, share overlapping features. Some of these include problems with social, emotional, communication, learning, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours.
Research has demonstrated that unhealthy gut bacteria (microbiome) directly affect centrally regulated processes including appetite, learning, memory, mood and stress response. Since the discovery of the vagus nerve, scientists revealed that neurotransmitters which govern our happiness, namely serotonin are made in the gut and then directly transported to the brain bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
The gut is a significant controller of our immune system, and the vagus nerve in particular has immune modulating properties. It also plays a role in collating information from the liver, gut, heart and lungs to the brain. Several animal studies have reported beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition as a result of omega-3 supplementation, while feeding mice diets rich in omega-6 has resulted in dysregulation of gut microbiota.
When the unhealthy gut bacteria outweighs the healthy bacteria - problems arise including mood and behavioural disturbances and leaky gut. Leaky gut syndrome further impairs the ability to absorb vital nutrients and is linked to a wide-range of conditions including depression, autism and anxiety. Restoring gut-health is key to maintaining brain-health.
The largest group of phytochemicals, called polyphenols, are considered beneficial to positively alter gut microbiota. These are sourced from foods such as dark chocolate, green tea, berries, nuts and vegetables. Other important nutrients are omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and oily fish, probiotics (from vegetables such as Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, garlic, onions, raw dandelion greens, asparagus) and probiotics (sources include kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, tempeh and kimchi).
For more information on gut-health and how to restore yours please contact us to schedule an appointment.
What exactly does this mean, and what is the connection between the gut-brain axis and neurodevelopmental disorders?
It is widely acknowledged that both Autism and ADHD are comorbid (30-50%), in other words, share overlapping features. Some of these include problems with social, emotional, communication, learning, and restrictive and repetitive behaviours.
Research has demonstrated that unhealthy gut bacteria (microbiome) directly affect centrally regulated processes including appetite, learning, memory, mood and stress response. Since the discovery of the vagus nerve, scientists revealed that neurotransmitters which govern our happiness, namely serotonin are made in the gut and then directly transported to the brain bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
The gut is a significant controller of our immune system, and the vagus nerve in particular has immune modulating properties. It also plays a role in collating information from the liver, gut, heart and lungs to the brain. Several animal studies have reported beneficial changes in gut microbiota composition as a result of omega-3 supplementation, while feeding mice diets rich in omega-6 has resulted in dysregulation of gut microbiota.
When the unhealthy gut bacteria outweighs the healthy bacteria - problems arise including mood and behavioural disturbances and leaky gut. Leaky gut syndrome further impairs the ability to absorb vital nutrients and is linked to a wide-range of conditions including depression, autism and anxiety. Restoring gut-health is key to maintaining brain-health.
The largest group of phytochemicals, called polyphenols, are considered beneficial to positively alter gut microbiota. These are sourced from foods such as dark chocolate, green tea, berries, nuts and vegetables. Other important nutrients are omega-3 rich foods such as salmon and oily fish, probiotics (from vegetables such as Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, garlic, onions, raw dandelion greens, asparagus) and probiotics (sources include kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, tempeh and kimchi).
For more information on gut-health and how to restore yours please contact us to schedule an appointment.