The Root Cause of Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: A Dysfunctional Digestive System

What do depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, epileptic seizures and many other mental and behavioral disorders have in common? A dysfunctional digestive system.

The digestive system has been called the “second brain”. The enteric nervous system (ENS), a branch of the autonomic nervous system, which is in the digestive system, can communicate and function independently of the brain! ENS is composed of approximately 500 million neurons. It can “think”, “memorize” and “learn” on its own.

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ENS covers the mucosa of many organs: esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, gallbladder. It is involved in regulating several essential digestive functions – the secretion of digestive enzymes, intestinal and gallbladder motility, regulating the function of the gastric and esophageal sphincter (to prevent the acid from rising on the esophagus and allowing swallowing).

Many researchers mention the important role of ENS in regulating behavior. This is because ENS communicates with the brain via the vagus nerve. SNE also uses more than 30 neurotransmitters, including serotonin, GABA, dopamine and acetylcholine.

95% of serotonin is found in the intestines and the imbalances in its levels are a major cause for: depression, bi-polar disorders, anxiety, migraines and insomnia. Also, GABA which is also found in the intestines affects mood, sleep and cognition.

The intestinal microbiom has a strong regulatory effect on enteric neurons, and certain bacterial colonies can induce behavioral changes. Intestinal flora makes up about 80% of the body’s immune system. Immediately after birth, the act of breastfeeding results in the implantation of the essential flora in the digestive system of the child, thus contributing substantially to the development of a healthy immune system. A study has shown that a short period of breastfeeding is associated with the development of ADHD syndrome in children.

The intestines are covered by 100 trillion micro-organisms, nearly ten times the amount of cells that make up the human body. It is estimated that there are 400 – 1000 different species of bacteria found in the intestines, with complex relationships and communication networks between them. Bacterial species that have been studied for their role in behavior modification and impairment are bifidus infantum, lactobacillus reuteri, rhamnosus, lactobacillus helveticus, bifido longum.

The probiotic bifido infantis has been studied for its role in reducing depression and irritable bowel symptoms. Lactobacillus reuteri has been studied for its effects against anxiety and strong modulation of the immune system, especially by inhibiting TNF-?. L-reuteri is well known for altering the GABA neurotransmitter and central nervous system, as is the case with lactobacillus rhamnosus.

L-helveticus and B-longum have been studied for their role in alleviating stress, anxiety and depression. There are many other studies and clinical evidence attesting to the role of gut bacteria in human behavior.

Real Causes That Determine Poor Brain Function

It often happens that when the digestive system is dysfunctional, the intestinal mucosal barrier is also altered and the protection against pathogens is compromised. In this case the body will suffer from inflammation in multiple places, many of them surprising, such as the brain! This is why it is essential that digestion, assimilation and intestinal immunity function effectively. Leaky gut syndrome has a direct effect on behavior; there is a direct link between high intestinal permeability, pathogen infections and psychiatric disorders.

Often, the imbalance of the intestinal flora is accompanied by dietary sensitivities that may contribute to the alteration of the intestinal flora, but may also be amplified by the gastrointestinal dysfunction. Eliminating foods such as gluten, dairy products, eggs or foods rich in oxalates or histamine can make a big difference in healing the digestive system in depth.

The opioid peptides from gluten and casein (partially digested proteins from certain cereals and dairy products) can react with receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of drugs such as morphine and heroin. These components called neuropeptides, react with parts of the brain that are involved in speech and auditory integration. Neuropeptides also decrease the ability to sense pain and impair cognitive function.

A key mechanism in intestinal permeability and mental and behavioral disorders refers to the effect of pathogens and bacterial species on the brain and neurotransmitter function. For example, streptococcal infections have been correlated in studies with obsessive compulsive symptoms, tics and Tourette’s syndrome. In addition, the immune response that results from streptococcal and other infections generates significant inflammation, including that of the brain.

It has been shown that the “coat” of gram-negative bacteria known as lipo-polysaccharides can induce massive systemic inflammation, including the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-? in the brain.

Pathogenic organisms such as Clostridia produce toxins that disrupt dopamine metabolism, causing mood swings, anxiety, aggression.

Due to the essential role of the tight junctions of the intestines that protect against antigen invasion, a weakening of the intestines can lead to increased permeability, allowing various pathogenic microbes to easily enter the bloodstream. This increased intestinal permeability induces high inflammatory activity in the brain, nervous system and many other parts of the body. There will also be imbalances in the gut flora and infections with pathogens and opportunistic microorganisms, such as Candida albicans. Candida affects the brain and mood by producing up to 79 toxic chemicals that are released into the body. That is why so many people who have Candida infections suffer from low concentration, depression, anxiety, fatigue.

Similarly, in people suffering from SIBO (bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine), there is a significant deficiency of B12 and the production of toxic chemicals, which mimic the function of neurotransmitters in the body. A study in mice showed that by changing and balancing the gut bacteria (through diet, probiotics, and nutrients) they changed their personality and behavior.

Researchers at Ohio State University have found that gut bacteria also affect the temperament of young children.

After examining 77 children aged 18 to 27 months, the researchers concluded that mood, curiosity, sociability, impulsivity and – in the case of boys – extroversion are related to the diversity of bacterial species in the digestive system.

So, there is enough clinical evidence that attests to the direct and essential link between the health of the digestive system and that of the brain. One more reason to consider that irritability, insomnia, depression or migraine has a major cause that is actually found in another area of the body than that of the … head!