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
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
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
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
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
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
Can probiotics alter the gut microbiome to shift emotion and mood brain signatures? The gut microbiota-brain axis plays an important role in gastrointestinal function and the regulation of mood, anxiety, and pain by communicating with the brain. Most studies have used animal models, however the following is a human double-blindRead
Your gut is home to an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms. They include bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, amoebas, and their genetic information. Collectively this is known as your microbiome, a type of ecosystem — much like a rainforest with trillions of living creatures. But a garden is an excellent analogy, too,Read
Living with digestive challenges due to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can significantly impact your quality of life. Over-the-counter solutions like antacids, laxatives, and anti-diarrhea medicines may help relieve symptoms for a time, but they’re a temporary fix. They won’t address the root of the problem—why are your symptoms happening inRead
We couldn’t resist sharing this excellent and amusing Radiolab podcast, called Gut Feelings, about some important research by John Cryan, PhD, Professor & Chair, Dept. of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork and Principal Investigator at the APC Microbiome Institute. In this Radiolab podcast, guest-host Carl Zimmer, co-host Robert Krulich, producerRead
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