The Gut-Brain Connection: Healing the Mind through Gut Health

July 10, 2018

The Gut-Brain Connection: Healing the Mind through Gut Health

While both are crucial to our overall health, any connection between brain health and gut health would be seemingly coincidental to most of us. To be sure, both the brain and gut serve important functions in our bodies, although since one handles the digestion and the other handles our thinking, motor skills, and senses, the two areas would appear to have no direct link.

However, most of us have experienced the sensation of having “butterflies in your stomach,” when nervous, or of feeling “sick to our stomach” out of fear or anxiety, both of which show a basic connection between the two areas.

But, the connection between mind and gut goes even deeper than that.

In fact, there is such mounting evidence of the connection between the brain and gut that many scientists are now considering the gut to be something of a “second brain.”

Your Second Brain

Many of us have experienced gastrointestinal (GI) problems when under heavy stress or anxiety, which we typically pass off as having a nervous stomach. Naturally, this shows a basic connection between mind and gut, though seemingly a psychosomatic one.

However, when we arrive at a conclusion based on a “gut feeling,” there may be more truth to the notion that we can “think” with our gut than we realize. This is because our bodies are likely sending signals between our central nervous system and our “second brain,” AKA the nervous system of our digestive tract.

Dubbed the “enteric nervous system,” or ENS, this second brain is made up of two thin layers lining the entire digestive tract and is composed of over 100-million nerve cells. The nerve cells in the ENS rely on the same neurotransmitters as does your central nervous system, which bolsters the idea of it being a second brain.

According to Jay Pasricha, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology, the main role of the ENS is in “…controlling digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination.” (1)

This points to a new understanding of the connection between our central nervous system—AKA our brain and spinal cord – and our gut health.

Connecting Our Two Brains

Even more interesting perhaps than the idea of there being a second brain in our digestive tract is the connection this brain has with our central nervous system—something which also helps explain the phenomena of having a nervous stomach when mentally stressed.

It seems that together, our “two brains” work to perform critical functions in controlling certain diseases, illnesses, and general health. This also makes the possibility of healing some diseases or illnesses a two-way endeavor, since by working together, the gut may be able to heal the brain, and vice-versa. (2)

This also shows a connection between our poor digestive health, such as caused by Candida (yeast) overgrowth, low levels of essential gut bacteria, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or leaky gut, and our mental health.

Healing the Gut Can Heal the Mind

Not only can an unhealthy gut cause poor skin health, weight gain, and low energy, it may also lead to mental illness, such as may be the case with Candida overgrowth.

For those unfamiliar, Candida is a yeast-like fungus which occurs naturally in our digestive systems, although for most of us, healthy gut bacteria keep its numbers in check. But, for those who are overprescribed antibiotics, have a poor diet, are diabetic, or have a weakened immune system, a toxic overgrowth may occur. This can lead to a burning or itching rash, low energy, and brain fog, as well as other unpleasant and potentially dangerous health conditions. (3)

And, according to a study performed by Johns Hopkins researchers, a group of men with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia more commonly showed overgrowth of Candida than those who did not. They also found that women who suffered bipolar disorder or schizophrenia along with Candida overgrowth did worse on memory tests than did women with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, but with no Candida overgrowth.

Research does point to a connection between mental health and digestive health. (4)

In another study performed by Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Digestive Diseases, Kirsten Tillisch, and her colleagues at UCLA, a group of forty women were separated based upon their composition of gut bacteria. In one group of thirty-three, more of a type of bacteria known as Bacteroides was noted, while the remaining group had higher levels of a gut bacteria called Prevotella.

When viewing emotionally charged images while under an fMRI brain scan, the high Prevotella group showed more connectivity between regions of the brain responsible for emotional, attentional, and sensory processing. They also showed more anxiety, irritability, and distress when looking at pictures with negative emotional connotation than did the Bacteroides group. (5)

These findings not only help show us the connection between digestive health, mental health, and our moods, but of the importance of maintaining a healthy gut and balance of essential bacteria.

Natural Solutions for Improved Gut Health

If you suffer from poor digestive health, you need to improve it—not only for the sake of your physical well-being, but mental, as well. Fortunately, reversing the effects of low levels of beneficial gut bacteria, leaky gut syndrome, IBS, Candida overgrowth and other ailments is possible, though it takes some discipline and dietary changes to accomplish this.

For instance, if you are experiencing the ill effects of Candida overgrowth, you need to stop feeding the offending substance. Since Candida is a form of “opportunistic pathogenic yeast,” by continuing to provide it with its preferred foods such as yeast, grains, and simple sugars, you will only be helping its continued growth.

Likewise, if Candida’s main adversary in the gut—Lactobacillus Acidophilus—is not adequately represented, Candida essentially has no enemy, and is instead free to grow. This can lead to symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, acid reflux disease, and IBS, along with other health problems, not the least of which are symptoms of depression and brain fog.

However, a yeast-free or Candida-free diet which eliminates the foods that Candida loves, such as simple sugars, yeast, dairy, and grains, can be used to control the influx of Candida. This is known of as the Candida diet or yeast-free diet,  and its main function is to starve the yeast by eliminating its nourishment. By adding probiotic foods or supplements, you will also do the equivalent of “sending in the troops,” which in this case is beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus acidophilus. (6)

Examples of the types of probiotics foods which contain high levels of beneficial bacteria are:

  • Coconut or almond milk yogurt
  • Water kefir
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kombucha
  • Kimchi

And, just as your diet should exclude foods which fuel Candida growth, it should also include foods which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, which need fiber—AKA prebiotics—to grow. By adding sources of soluble and insoluble fiber to your diet, you can help to promote the healthiest populations of gut flora possible to improve probiotics benefits. (7)

Some examples of good sources of prebiotic fiber include:

  • Chia seeds
  • Green, leafy vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Low glycemic fruits, such as cherries or grapefruit

In all, following the Candida diet can help you have  better mental clarity, improved digestive health, improved outlook, and less risk of chronic disease.

Finally

Your gut health has more to do with your mental well-being than you may realize, and the connection between your digestive tract and central nervous system can essentially be thought of as having “two brains thinking as one.” This is because the ENS and central nervous system are similar not only in their capacity to control various bodily functions, but in their direct communications with one another.

By taking measures such as adding probiotic-rich foods, probiotic supplements, and adequate fiber to your diet while eliminating yeast, wheat, and simple sugars, you can not only improve your digestive health, but your mental health and well-being, as well.

In short, with a little discipline and care, you can be on your way to living a better, happier, and healthier life!

Sources:

 

Written By: Steven F. Hotze, M.D.

Steven F. Hotze, M.D., is the founder and CEO of the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, Hotze Vitamins and Physicians Preference Pharmacy International, LLC.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields

Agreement*
By filling out the above, you agree to receive educational, informative emails on alternative medicine and hormone balancing. You will have the option to unsubscribe at any time.
Hidden
Hidden

Categories

AboutHotze Health & Wellness Center

Since 1989, Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 33,000 patients get their lives back using bioidentical hormones that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. Our treatment regimen addresses the root cause of hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, and candida.

Led by best-selling author, radio host and leading natural health expert, Steven F. Hotze, M.D., our medical team has over 100 years’ combined medical experience backed by a staff of nearly 100 caring professionals who provide an environment of hope and extraordinary hospitality for each of our patients, who we call our guests. It is our deepest desire to help you obtain and maintain health and wellness naturally so that you may enjoy a better quality of life, pure and simple.

 

What I BelieveBY DR. STEVEN HOTZE

Do you want to live a healthy, happy, purpose-driven life? Do you want to restore your health so that your loss of energy, weight gain, joint pain, depression and lack of drive or motivation won’t hold you back from achieving your personal and professional goals?

Dr. Steven Hotze wants that for you, too. In fact, in his powerful and passionate video entitled, “What I Believe”, Dr. Hotze shares how his Christian worldview and pivotal experiences have ignited a deep desire to offer the message of hope and optimal health to all who need to hear it.


Follow Us
#hotzehealth

As seen on:

  • ABC
  • Fow News Channel
  • NBC
  • CNN
  • The Biography Channel
  • Bloomberg Businessweek
  • The Early Show
  • Good Morning Texas
  • Great Day Houston

Our Doctors

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, our doctors are changing the way women and men are treated through the use of bioidentical hormones. Our natural treatments have helped over 33,000 individuals with hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, menopause, perimenopause, low testosterone, allergies, candida, detoxification and nutritional deficiencies.

Meet our doctors

Guest Testimonials

Tony S.

"I went from from having fatigue to regaining my energy, motivation, and drive after age 50!”

Read More guest testimonials
Pam White
Pam White
2023-03-10
At Hotze Health and Wellness YOU can truly find restoration of your health and vibrant life! You will find the most caring and effective healthcare available! Don't hesitate call them today!!!
Ron Guidry
Ron Guidry
2023-03-08
Doctors are not the final authority in our journey of achieving/maintaining health and wellness but having a good team of doctors in your support and guidance community is not only helpful it is wise and also essential. The team and staff at Hotze Health and Wellness are health professionals that you can trust to help you navigate all the misinformation that may be keeping you separated from your optimal level of health.
Caral Reeves
Caral Reeves
2023-01-17
Hotze Beauty is a first class facility! Extreme level of professionalism , knowledge & genuine care❤️‍🩹
Julie Hryszko
Julie Hryszko
2023-01-12
I’ve been a guest at this facility for 15 years. They are the most efficient, thorough and caring group of individuals I’ve ever experienced. Dr Hotze looks to change the way a typical doctor treats patients and looks for root causes to eliminate medical issues instead of treating “symptoms”. My life has improved 100% since my initial visit. The cost of the treatments are worth it.
Shavon Sisson
Shavon Sisson
2023-01-11
Always a great experience dealing with everyone at Hotze Heath and Wellness! Everyone is kind and helpful.
Kori Misson
Kori Misson
2022-12-21
I cannot accurately describe in words how I feel about this practice and the entire staff. I have had quite a few health issues throughout the years, rheumatoid arthritis, sjogrens, weight gain, hair loss, irritability, and that is just the beginning. I had pretty much given up on feeling good, just decided to "live with it" and hope for the best. Two very close friends love the Hotze Wellness Clinic and they have experienced life changing health. Made my appointment and from the beginning I felt heard. Not a in and out fast food style practice. They are looked and are looking at my entire body for overall health and wellness. Connections from mind and body to clinical blood work, even dental questions....they care and I feel as if I can trust them. I am on a path to complete wellness and my goal is to have my RA back in remission as it once was....make yourself a priority. Having hope is an incredible feeling!