Brain Health Depends on Gut Health

Question:

Why do I seem to struggle so much with brain fog, anxiety, and depression?

Answer:

Many factors can underlie these symptoms, however one of the most common is poor digestive health. The gut and the brain are intimately connected and poor digestive health can lead to poor brain health and related symptoms.

Leaky gut leads to leaky brain

You may have heard of leaky gut, or intestinal permeability. This is when the lining of the digestive tract becomes porous and allows undigested foods, toxins, and other pathogens into the bloodstream. These pathogens trigger the immune system to release inflammatory compounds, increasing the risk for food sensitivities, inflammation, pain, and autoimmune disease.

Another consequence of leaky gut is that it eventually leads to leaky brain. In other words the protective lining of the brain, called the blood-brain barrier, also becomes porous, allowing harmful pathogens into the brain.

Leaky brain leads to damage and symptoms

When these pathogens slip through a porous blood-brain barrier into the brain, the brain’s immune system reacts. This brain-based inflammation damages neurons—brain fog is a common symptom of brain inflammation. A leaky blood-brain barrier has also been associated with a multitude of psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety.

Gluten is especially problematic

Research shows the effects of gluten on the brain to be especially problematic. Studies link gluten to many brain-based disorders, including autism, ADD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and even psychosis.

Gut issues are not always obvious when your brain is under attack

Research shows the majority of people whose brains are affected by gluten have no digestive complaints. In fact of those whose gluten sensitivity manifests neurologically, only one-third suffer from any disease of the intestinal tract.

Repairing the gut helps repair the brain

The good news is that both the gut and the brain are very responsive to efforts to restore health and integrity.  The best way to help brain/gut issues is a multi-faceted approach that addresses the many stressors that can cause leaky gut, such as diet, adrenal health, blood sugar balancing, and gut infections. Research has also shown that specific botanicals and nutritional compounds can help restore the lining of your gut and your brain. If you would like to know more about leaky brain or leaky gut – let’s talk!