gut-brain axis
A Guide for Enhancing Vagus Nerve Tone to Support the Gut-Brain Axis
Optimize Gut-Brain Axis: Enhance Vagus Nerve Tone. Explore evidence-based strategies for improving vagus nerve health and promoting optimal gut-brain axis functioning. Discover deep breathing, exercise, meditation, probiotics, and omega-3 supplementation. Elevate patient well-being.
Signs of Gut-Brain Imbalance: What You need to Know – Part 1
A growing body of research indicates that the gut-brain axis plays a significant role in mental health. Gain insight into this intricate interplay between the gut and brain, and how an altered gut microbiome can affect both digestive function as well as our mental and emotional state.
From Microbes to Mind: The Science of the Gut-Brain Connection – Part 2
Our brain and gut microbiome communicate through multiple pathways. To learn more about the precise mechanisms of these pathways, and the role of specific microbes and neurotransmitters in gut-brain axis communication read on.
Mechanisms Along the Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. Both neural and hormonal routes of communication allow the brain to influence intestinal activities, including activity of functional effectorRead
The Vagus Nerve Superhighway: Formation of the Gut Brain Connection
It’s impressive: the wandering 10th cranial, or vagus, nerve is the longest in the human body, stretching from the brainstem to the lowest intestinal viscera. It’s a bidirectional neurologic superhighway. A component of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the vagus nerve extends parasympathetic fibers into nearly every organ in the body. It controlsRead
Bugs and Barrier Function
Intestinal epithelial barrier integrity has a great deal to do with how we feel: both physically and mentally. The concept is a relatively simple one, although the mechanisms are complex. A single layer of epithelial cells functions as a physical barrier between the intestinal lumen, the lamina propria, and theRead
Gut Brain Connection: Talk Along the HPA Axis
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, or HPA Axis, is a bidirectional neuroendocrine network that modulates our adaptive stress response. The activation loop begins in the hypothalamus with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Once released, CRH binds to receptors on the anterior pituitary gland resulting in the subsequent release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In turn,Read
Research Backed Ingredients to Support Mood and Health
The Mindful Microbiota Trillions of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others—create the microbiota. The vast majority, around 70%, of these bugs reside in our intestines and are vital to the development of our immune system, influence our metabolism, and protect us from pathogens. Interestingly, the gut microbiota also affects our cognitiveRead
Low FODMAPs: The New Gluten Free?
As patients without diagnosed gluten allergies continue to benefit from a gluten-free diet, researchers, medical professionals, and nutritionists alike are now turning to a related, but more prevalent, perpetrator of GI discomfort: FODMAPs. But, what are FODMAPs and how do they affect the microbiome? And, for those experiencing uncomfortable GIRead
Cravings for Fatty Foods Connected to Gut-Brain Axis
There is a new link between the gut-brain axis — and it appears to fuel our desire for fatty foods. In a new study published in Nature, scientists at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute discovered that fat entering the intestines of mice triggers a signal. This signal — conducted along nerves to theRead
