The Brain-Gut Connection

Presented by Dr. Mary Pardeep with Commune

Tags: digestion, food, gut, microbiome

“All disease begins in the gut.” – Hippocrates 

The Brain-Gut Connection

  • The health of the gut can affect brain health 
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): an intestinal disorder causing pain in the belly, gas, diarrhea, and constipation; thought to be due to anxiety and stress
    • Alternatively, gut health can be contributing to brain-based issues (anxiety, depression, ADHD) as well
      • Gut affects mood, mood affects gut
  • Gut-Brain Axis: the bi-directional communication between the gut and brain
    • The gut is connected to the brain via the autonomic nervous system 
    • Communication happens through:
      • The immune system
      • The endocrine system which is a collection of glands that productive hormones
      • The vagus nerve which is part of the parasympathetic system which is responsible for digestion and relaxation; runs through the entire GI tract
    • Poor communication between the gut and brain can result in:
      • Decreased blood flow
      • Decreased production of digestive enzymes 
      • Decreased intestinal motility 
  • Keys to optimizing brain health:
    • Stable blood sugar levels throughout the day
      • Needed to produce neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, acetylcholine, dopamine) which are essential for keeping your focus and mood stable, and ensuring effective communication to the gut  
      • Symptoms of blood sugar instability:
        • Craving sweets after meals
        • Irritability of meals are missed
        • Poor memory
        • Difficulty losing weight 
    • Healthy amounts of fat and protein can help to stabilize blood sugar levels
      • Supports healthy brain chemistry to support gut function 
  • Sympathetic nervous system: the fight-or-flight branch of the autonomic nervous system
    • When this system become predominant, digestive issues are very common
    • Digestion shuts down, energy and blood flow are shunted to extremities to protect us from threat 
    • Why it’s best not to eat when stress, nervous or anxious – body is not ready for good

Healing the Gut

  • Our choice of emotional states are important to this process
    • Love, gratitude, positivity, happiness creates a healing environment for changes to happen
    • Mindfulness, meditation, breath work 
    • Rewiring the brain for positivity until it becomes natural 
    • Both the brain and gut need to be treated  
    • Mindful eating 

Learn more from Dr. Pardeep:

Introduction to Gut Health

How Digestion Works

What Healthy Poop Looks & Smells Like

Mindful Eating (Where Digestion Begins)

More from Dr. Mary Pardeep

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This website is provided only for informational purposes and not intended to be used to replace professional advice, treatment or professional care. Always speak to your physician, healthcare provider or pediatrician if you have concerns about your own health or the health of a child.