What if I told you that by keeping your gut healthy you can lose weight, feel happier, have more energy, sleep better, strengthen your immune system, improve thyroid function, prevent diabetes, regulate blood pressure, and even decrease pain and inflammation related to joint and autoimmune diseases. Allow me to introduce Gut Health as the next topic in my series of posts on My Body Is My Temple. Most people never think about their intestines until they send a loud and clear message that something is wrong. Yet, most people know that certain medications, like antibiotics and certain antidepressants, can lead to constipation, diarrhea and nausea? Many people also recognize that ongoing stress can lead to heartburn, ulcers and changes in bowel habits. Now research has even proven that certain conditions, such as autism, fibromyalgia, ADD, ADHD and rheumatoid arthritis are closely associated with intestinal disturbances. However, does anyone really know how all these things are directly related to gut health? The best answer is that each of us has two distinct areas that function as a brain. There is the most familiar area of neurons encased in our skull, which most people revere as the place from which our entire life receives its marching orders. But theres also another kind of intelligence inside your belly that is an equally potent metabolic force. Some refer to this area as the “gut-brain,” while others proclaim it to be the bodys “second brain.” Regardless of what we call it, it’s much smarter than you may have ever imagined. And putting this extra brainpower to work can forever change your metabolism, and even your overall quality of life. While the second brain (technically known as the “enteric nervous system”) contains more neurons than the spinal cord—as much as 70-80% of our neurotransmitters and over half of our nerve cells are located in our gastrointestinal system! So, while the gut is not necessarily the seat of conscious thoughts or decision-making, its influence is far-reaching nonetheless. In fact, it is from a healthy gut that we enjoy neurological and psychological as well as immunological health. Most of my patients are shocked when I tell them that the gut is responsible for producing about 95 percent of the serotonin found in the entire body. It also produces more than 30 different neurotransmitters that are also found in the brain! Not surprising, then, that medications and diseases that affect serotonin levels would have a profound effect, not just on the brain, but also on the gut. And, diseases that primarily affect the bowel can have a profound effect on emotions, mental state and mood. Some examples of the connection between the two brains include: • Chemicals (benzodiazepines) commonly found in pain relievers and anti-anxiety medications are produced in the gut. • The gut has a natural affinity for and can produce natural opiates and can also evidence addiction just like the brain. • The gut has cycles during sleep: alternating 90 minute cycles of slow-wave muscle contractions with corresponding short bursts of rapid muscle movement that matches the brain’s sleep patterns. • Poor sleep is almost always reported by patients with irritable bowel syndrome (lBS) and non-ulcerative dyspepsia (commonly referred to as sour stomach) who complain of awakening unrefreshed and tired in the morning. • The gut contains at least 70 percent of our immune (defense) system. Mast cells are concentrated in the intestine to release histamine, prostaglandins and other chemicals designed to stimulate inflammation, a protective response to prevent infection. Recent studies have shown that the second brain not only has the ability to learn and remember, but also has the ability to think for itself. The question this creates is: can we teach our second brain to be healthy and function well? The question needs more study, but preliminary thought is a resounding Yes! Clearly, I have just scratched the surface of gastrointestinal health but as you can see this topic should be at the top of your list if your overall goal for the new year is get healthy. At Phoenix Wellness, we recognize that our gut is designed to instinctively know what to eat or which choices will lead us to our desired destination when we keep it working optimally. Many people focus on making the belly tighter or tougher. But let’s take care of first things first. Lets make the belly smarter before endeavoring to make it thinner or more toned. We believe that our societys obsession with having with “tight abs” may actually be rooted in our desire to use the wisdom of the midsection more proficiently. Our gut intelligence has been underused, and perhaps even dumbed-down from decades of poor quality food, stressed eating and a progressively toxic world. So, we humbly ask you to allow us at Phoenix Wellness to help you tune in to the innate intelligence that makes up the core of your incredible body. We want to help you use the new year as a chance to rediscover what your your body is truly hungering for. After all, each of us has unique needs that will lead us to our desired goal. Do you have the guts to listen to your gut knowing? Are you ready to stop judging your gut, or exercising it into submission just for a moment, and hear its whispers? And if so, what does your gut have to say to you? I will be giving a free talk on hcg and how we at Phoenix Wellness have successfully used this program to achieve the good health and permanent weight loss you are seeking. This free info session is open to the public and will be held on Tue, Dec 30th at 7:00 pm at the Summit Health Center 757 Norland Ave. Please call Norland Avenue Pharmacy 717-217-6790 to register.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:05:31 +0000
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