Our guts are finally getting the credit they deserve! There’s good reason people say “trust your gut” or “listen to your gut”. Here’s why:
Source: Draxe.com
Our gut is a unique and important organ because like our skin, it has direct contact with our environment. Anything we ingest travels through our digestive tract and affects us in some way or another-positively or negatively. Scientists have been referring to our gut as the “second brain” because it contains as many neurons as the spinal cord. (Pretty interesting if you’re a science loving nerd like myself.) In fact, the digestive tract produces 90% of serotonin and helps to create and regulated dopamine- the two neurotransmitters that are imbalanced in children with autism and ADHD. The gut also protects the body from environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and carcinogenic chemicals found in everyday household cleaners or skincare products (ie. shampoo, lotions, soaps). The gastrointestinal system hosts about 80% of our immune system and contains a complex ecosystem of gut flora- the bacteria that keeps us healthy and fight off infections.
When your gut is healthy, it acts as a barrier that keeps toxins, microbes, and undigested food particles from absorbing into our bloodstreams and traveling to our other organs. Unfortunately, the standard American diet consisting of processed foods and sugar, antibiotics, and other environmental stressors have wrecked havoc on our guts causing “Leaky Gut Syndrome.” The tiny holes in our digestive tract become larger and porous which allows toxins to flow into our bloodstream. The immune system reacts to these toxic invaders and causes an inflammatory response throughout our bodies. Over time this chronic state of inflammation leads to crippling health issues and diseases, such as depression, anxiety, diabetes, IBS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, allergies, MS, and arthritis. Recent studies have even linked autism and ADHD to gut dysfunction. This is why addressing gut health is CRUCIAL when treating children who with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and emotional or behavioral difficulties. It is an area often overlooked by traditional Western medical doctors which is why I feel passionate about increasing awareness of the gut-brain connection.
Symptoms of Leaky Gut:
- Gluten and/or dairy intolerance
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Brain fog, decreased attention span, and poor memory
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain
These are pretty common ailments or complaints that most of us experience on a daily basis. Leaky gut is common and goes undiagnosed as many of these symptoms are easy to push aside or accept as "normal". And I know, I know. Who wants to admit they have a leaky gut? The name is pretty disgusting but try not to freak out. The good news is you can fix your leaky gut symptoms and overtime your gut will heal. The bad news- it is not a quick fix. Supplementing with digestive enzymes, probiotics, and making simple dietary changes are three steps towards better gut health but requires guidance, commitment, and support.