ANXIETY & YOUR GUT
ANXIETY & YOUR GUT
Sometimes simple is good. This article does a nice job of simplifying the complicated relationship between your brain, gut, and their combined impact on anxiety:
HIGHLIGHTED FACTS FROM THE ARTICLE:
- Researchers estimate that over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from an anxiety disorder. This number is equivalent to 18 out of every 100 Americans.
- The gut can send signals to the brain, and the brain to the gut.
- Stomach or intestinal distress can interfere with gut-brain and brain-gut neuronal transmission (“signaling”).
- If signal interference is severe, stomach or intestinal stress can “be the cause or the product” of anxiety, depression, or stress.
- Did you know that over 90 percentof serotonin – the neurochemical responsible for a stable mood – is produced in the gut?
- The gut is also lined with a network of neurons –specialized cells responsible for transmitting nerve impulses. This complex network allows the gut to interact with the central nervous system (CNS) – namely, the brain – and vice-versa.
- Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to billionsof healthy bacteria called gut flora.
- Scientists are, by now, aware of the gut-brain connection. However, only recently have researchers found that gut bacteria significantly impacts mental health.
Read more to learn about the groundbreaking discovery from researchers at the University of Cork in Ireland: “Gene regulators – genes that encode proteins – play a fundamental role in anxiety illnesses and are impacted by bacterial levels in the gut… One gene regulator, called the microRNA (miRNA), caused a high level of anxiety in mice lacking the proper gut bacteria… miRNA may have a direct effect on anxiety levels in humans….The study could lead to the manufacture of treatments that more specifically target the gut rather than the brain.” The more we learn about the causative relationships between the brain, gut, and the microbiome, the closer we come to developing better treatment options.
Although there is still so much to learn about these highly complex relationships, the team at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health can help! Our providers are well versed in all of the latest treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional GI conditions impacted by anxiety. Treatment options include nutritional interventions, optimizing the mind-connection with gut directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and utilizing the huge variety of potentially beneficial supplements and medications. One size does not fit all – you need to have an individualized treatment plan.
We are eager to help IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE and have you THINK LESS ABOUT YOUR GUT. Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com to schedule a consultation.