Everyone knows that when our digestion works, we feel good. But a well-balanced Gut not only influences our physical well-being - the digestive system also has a decisive effect on a person's mental state. The connection is formed by the so-called Gut.
Content:
- The brain in a Gut
- Digestion and emotions
- Gut-brain and head-brain
- Antidepressants for digestion?
- The importance of intestinal flora
- The power of bacteria
- Psychobiotics
1. the brain in the Gut
The Gut has its own nervous system: the so-called enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of millions of nerve cells that runs through the intestinal wall. The ENS is independent of the central nervous system (CNS; brain and spinal cord) - this means that digestion takes place without us having to think about it.
However, the brain and Gut are constantly communicating with each other: the mere thought of food triggers the digestive process and makes our mouths water. Conversely, the digestive tract signals to the brain when we have eaten enough and are full.
2. digestion and emotions
Because of its huge number of nerve cells, the ENS is often referred to as the "second brain" or "Gut". The close connection between the ENS and CNS is also reflected in our language when we talk about our "gut feeling", have "butterflies in our stomach" or "something hits our stomach".
And emotions do indeed influence our digestion: stress reduces blood flow and inhibits the production of digestive secretions. Accordingly, we lose our appetite when we are anxious about exams.
3. belly-brain and head-brain
The ENS is not dissimilar to the CNS: both systems have the same nerve cells and use the same neurotransmitters. While the "happiness hormone" serotonin in our brain influences how happy we feel, in the Gut it regulates the rhythmic muscle contractions that move food chunks through our Gut - known as peristalsis.
Communication between the Gut and the brain takes place via nerve pathways and messenger substances. The impulse can come from both the brain and the Gut . Mental problems can cause the digestive system to rebel and, conversely, digestive difficulties can influence the psyche - this is becoming increasingly clear in research.
4. antidepressants for digestion?
The close connection between gut-brain and head-brain makes it possible to treat certain diseases of the digestive system with the same medication as mental illnesses. For example, irritable bowel syndrome patients can benefit from antidepressants that raise serotonin levels and thus boost not only mood but also digestion.
5 The importance of intestinal flora
However, the already complex interaction between the Gut and the brain is far more complicated. Our Gut is home to billions of bacteria. The community of microorganisms - including viruses, fungi and yeasts - is known as the intestinal flora or microbiome.
Anyone who automatically thinks of harmful pathogens when they hear the word "bacteria" is wrong. The bacteria in our Gut are vital for us. They support our digestion, activate our immune system, extract macro and micronutrients, produce vitamins, fatty acids, hormones and neurotransmitters.
Around 85% of the microbiome consists of "good" gut bacteria. Our environment, diet, medication (especially antibiotics) or stress influence which bacteria colonize our Gut . If the ratio of "good" and "bad" bacteria is out of balance, this can lead to digestive problems or inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which often results in further illnesses.
6 The power of bacteria
Research into the influence of our gut bacteria on our brain is still in its infancy. A large number of studies have shown an interplay between mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, and intestinal overgrowth.
For example, irritable bowel syndrome patients often suffer from psychological problems or depressive patients struggle with digestion. However, the exact connection and interactions between the diseases have not yet been clarified.
However, fascinating studies with mice suggest the power of the microbiome: Mice that showed signs of autism became more social and less anxious when given certain bacteria. And conversely, mice that had been implanted with the microbiome of depressed people showed signs of depression.
7. psychobiotics
While the research on mice cannot be directly transferred to humans, studies with human test subjects are also promising. For example, the administration of lacto- and bifidobacteria - particularly of the lactobacteria and bifidobacteria genera - has been shown to have a positive effect on the psyche of participants on several occasions.
For example, 64% of a group of irritable bowel syndrome patients suffering from anxiety disorders or depression reported an improvement in their psychological problems after taking Bifidobacterium longum for six weeks. Because of their effect on the human psyche, these types of bifidobacteria are referred to as psychobiotics.
The exact connection between the microbiome and mental health is still unclear. However, researchers agree that it is beneficial for us to have as many different "good" bacteria as possible living in our Gut . We can support the diversity of bacteria by eating a healthy, varied diet, avoiding stress and taking lacto- and bifidobacteria.
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Sources:
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Qinrui Li et al: The Gut Microbiota and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci. 2017; 11: 120.
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Friedmann LS et al: The Sensitive Gut. A Harvard Medical School Special Health Report, Harvard 2008.
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Pinto-Sanchez MI et al: Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 Reduces Depression Scores and Alters Brain Activity: A Pilot Study in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2017 Aug;153(2):448-459.