What is meant by the ‘Gut-Brain Axis’?
The connection between the gut and the brain, known as the Gut-Brain Axis, is a rapidly progressing field of research. Scientists are discovering more about how the gut and brain are connected. Every month, new data from universities and labs worldwide shows how important gut microbes are for human health. Damage to the gut microbiome through antibiotic exposure and limited contact with nature has now been linked to a wide variety of diseases ranging from autism to asthma, allergies to autoimmune diseases, acne to anxiety. It has been recognised that the root cause of this health collapse lies in the “soil” of the human body: the microbiome. Bacteria, fungi, parasites, yeasts, and viruses that live in the body provide vital nutrients for our health.
Gut-Brain Health Explained
Studies have shown that a diverse gut microbiome can support the intestinal barrier.
The Gut-Brain Axis is bidirectional communication comprised of three systems:
- Intestinal barrier and immune system
- Endocrine (hormone-producing cells) system
- Nervous system
Approximately 15% of this intestinal lining is composed of enteric endocrine cells. These cells produce over 90% of the serotonin and over 50% of the dopamine neurotransmitters.
It’s a big change in how we think about the brain: it turns out, the gut makes the chemicals that help the brain communicate, not the brain itself! This new idea is shaking up what we thought we knew about how the brain works.
Because of this discovery, it makes sense that problems with the gut, like damage to the bacteria and lining, are often linked to brain issues like autism, depression, and anxiety. The gut acts like a barrier, stopping bad stuff from getting into our bodies. It also lets in the good stuff we need to stay healthy, like water, nutrients, and minerals from our food.
So, for our bodies and minds to work right, our gut has to be functioning properly first.
Improve Your Mental Clarity Naturally
The GEMM approach supports the connection between the loss of the microbiome and the increase in gut and blood/brain dysfunction by improving the communication network provided by the digestive molecules of the microbiome and supporting these critical barriers.
While there isn’t a quick fix for “healing” the Gut-Brain Axis, balancing the gut microbiome and repairing the gut allows the body to rebuild its natural defences. Hippocrates’ statement still applies to this day:
All disease begins in the gut.