True BFF's: The Gut-Brain Connection

Do you have depression or anxiety? 

 Do you instantly poop when you get nervous? 

 Does your anxiety cause a stomach ache or vice versa? 

 Do you have bloating, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, IBS, inflammatory conditions, food cravings, weight gain or mood disorders?

You may want to keep reading….

 The "brain-gut connection" refers to the complex bi-directional communication between the brain and the gut, also known as the gut-brain axis. Basically, it means these two are like BFF's and they talk to each other all day long.

This constant 2-way communication occurs through a network of neurons, hormones, and immune system components that link the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system, which is the network of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract. For most of us, this is what we would describe as a “gut feeling.”

Functional medicine recognizes that the brain-gut connection plays a significant role in overall health and well-being. For example, stress and emotions can influence gut function, while imbalances in the gut microbiome can affect brain function and mood. 

What are the symptoms of brain-gut dysfunction? 

Symptoms of gut-brain axis dysfunction refers to a disruption in the communication between the gut and the brain.  Some of the more common symptoms of gut-brain axis dysfunction include:

1. Digestive symptoms: 

Gut-brain axis dysfunction can cause digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

2. Mood disorders: 

The gut-brain axis is closely linked to mood regulation, and dysfunction in this axis can lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

3. Food cravings and addictions: 

Gut-brain axis dysfunction can lead to food cravings and addictions, particularly for sugar and other highly processed foods.

4. Fatigue: 

Gut-brain axis dysfunction can cause fatigue and lethargy, which can impact overall quality of life.

5. Brain fog and cognitive impairment: 

Dysfunction in the gut-brain axis can lead to brain fog and cognitive impairment, making it difficult to concentrate and perform mental tasks.

6. Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions: 

The gut-brain axis is closely linked to the immune system, and dysfunction in this axis can contribute to autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

7. Skin conditions: 

Dysfunction in the gut-brain axis can lead to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

 At Reclaim Wellness, we use various approaches to support the brain-gut connection, such as dietary changes, strain specific probiotics, stress reduction techniques, GI stool testing, acupuncture and other interventions that address underlying imbalances. 

Our favorite resource for understanding the root cause of dysfunction in the gut-brain-axis is through comprehensive stool testing. Stool analysis can provide valuable information about the health and diversity of the digestive system. This test can help identify the presence of harmful organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and candida/fungi, that may be causing digestive symptoms or contributing to chronic health problems; mental or emotional.  

If you have been suffering with digestive issues or have been struggling with anxiety, depression or any other mood disorder, please reach out. We would love to help you get the answers you deserve and help you RECLAIM your health. We are only a phone call away.

With Love,

The Reclaim Wellness Team

561-336-3144