Gut Health

The digestive system has often been called our “second brain”. There are good scientific reasons for this. To start with, it utilizes 100 million neurons and an impressive 30 neurotransmitters in its functioning. In terms of serotonin alone- typically thought of as our feel good neurotransmitter- 95% of it is found in the gut. We also know intuitively that our digestion and brain functioning are connected. We get butterflies in our stomach when we are nervous, or “bile” when we are angry. The digestive system also includes trillions of bacteria that naturally live in us- in numbers ten times greater than the total cells in our body. And these “foreign” cells- new scientific discoveries are proving- also communicate with us and affect our health in profound ways, so digestive balance is of utmost importance in our short and long term well being.

Restoring Balance

Advancing science has helped us learn that while digestion is more complicated than we ever realized, solutions are also within our reach. It is not just about blocking burning sensations with antacids, providing laxatives for constipation, or responding to Crohnʼs disease or ulcerative colitis simply with immunosuppressive medications. Surely, western medicines have their place. However, finding the root causes of illness and not just calling something “irritable bowel syndrome- or IBS”, is the functional way to light the path toward digestive healing.

For example, it is possible that low thyroid or magnesium deficiency may be a cause of constipation. Bloating, malabsorption, and other discomforts may indicate bacterial or candida overgrowth, food allergies, and other problems that could be simple to address with lifestyle changes or one-time treatments, rather than chronic indefinite medications. Neurotransmitter precursors, such as tryptophan, will often restore the balance of good communication and peristalsis that can lead to improvements. Sometimes other supplements, such as digestive enzymes, probiotics, or nutrients such as glutamine can play a role in healing. As with any of the bodyʼs major systems, when causes of the illness are removed, and deficiencies are corrected, a joyful digestive experience can be achieved. And a happy bowel leads to a happy life!