If we take into account last week’s feedback, your mind is not only affected by your heart, but also your gut! You mean everything is connected?? Shocking!!
The reference article provided on irritable bowel syndrome discusses the role of various medications on serotonin receptor subtypes for its treatment. Although, conventionally, it is recognized that SSRIs can be used for various gastrointestinal issues and mood disorders, it is the holistic community that has connected the dots to what is the cause in the first place.
Most people are aware that stress and anxiety can make them nausea. Others may have also made the connection of a change in appetite due to emotional shifts such as boredom, happiness, or sadness. However, most don’t make the connection that the reverse can also be true- the health of your digestive system can actually determine how you feel.
Serotonin in the gut regulates the contraction, movement, and secretion of body fluids. When levels are imbalanced, not only will your brain be affected, but your digestion as well. In fact, with the high receptor accumulation for this neurotransmitter in your gut, your mood after a meal could be your body’s first communication to assess your diet.
Therefore, one of the first places I go to for mood imbalances is the gut. There have been links to gluten sensitivity via molecular mimicry to everything from auto-immune disease, hormonal imbalances, Autism, and ADD. Determination of why your gut-brain communication is not running smoothly could be through a variety of mechanisms: assessing food allergies or sensitivities, low protective bowel flora, checking for deficiencies in nutrients and their absorption of serotonin precursors (such as B vitamins, vitamin C, and iron), assessing for leaky gut ,and chronically high inflammation. I do this through a thorough history of symptoms and various functional tests for each individual.
If you are currently struggling from low mood or other emotional issues, you may want to consider a consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor. We can help you uncover the true cause of the imbalance and find a specific protocol that will work with you.
References:
DFH Clinical Rounds Interviews. http://catalog.designsforhealth.com/s.nl/
Bone, Kerry. Modern Herbal Therapy for the Busy Clinician: Herbal Strategies for Autoimmune Disease.
