Back Clinic Gastro Intestinal Health Functional Medicine Team. The gastrointestinal or (GI) tract does more than digest food. It contributes to various body systems and functions. Dr. Jimenez takes a look at procedures that have been created to help support the GI tract’s health and function, as well as promote microbial balance. Research shows that 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have stomach or intestinal problems that are so severe that it interferes with their daily activities and lifestyle.
Intestinal or digestion problems are referred to as Gastrointestinal (or GI) Disorders. The goal is to achieve digestive wellness. When an optimally working digestive system is on track, an individual is said to be in good health. The GI tract protects the body by detoxifying various toxins and participating in the immunological processes or when the body’s immune system interacts with antibodies and antigens. This combined with supporting the digestion and absorption of nutrients from an individual’s diet.
The body needs food for fuel, energy, growth, and repair. The digestive process breaks down food into a form the body can absorb and use for fuel. The broken-down food gets absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine, and the nutrients are carried to the cells throughout the body. Understanding how the organs work together to digest food can help with health goals and overall health.
The Digestive Process
The organs of the digestive system are the following:
The digestive process starts with the anticipation of eating, stimulating the glands in the mouth to produce saliva. The digestive system’s primary functions include:
Mixing food
Moving food through the digestive tract – peristalsis
The chemical breakdown of food into smaller absorbable components.
The digestive system converts food into its simplest forms, which include:
Glucose – sugars
Amino acids – protein
Fatty acids – fats
Proper digestion extracts nutrients from food and liquids to maintain health and function properly. Nutrients include:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
Mouth and Esophagus
The food is ground up by the teeth and moistened with saliva to swallow easily.
Saliva also has a special chemical enzyme that starts breaking down carbohydrates into sugars.
Muscular contractions of the esophagus massage the food into the stomach.
Stomach
The food passes through a small muscle ring into the stomach.
It gets mixed with gastric chemicals.
The stomach churns the food to break it down further.
The food is then squeezed into the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
Small Intestine
Once in the duodenum, the food mixes with more digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bilefrom the liver.
The food passes into the lower parts of the small intestine, called the jejunum and the ileum.
Nutrients are absorbed from the ileum, lined with millions of villi or thread-like fingers that facilitate the absorption.
Each villus is connected to a mesh of capillaries, which is how nutrients get absorbed into the bloodstream.
Pancreas
The pancreas is one of the largest glands.
It secretes digestive juices and a hormone called insulin.
Insulin helps regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.
The liver has several different roles that include:
Breaks down fats using bile stored in the gallbladder.
Processes proteins and carbohydrates.
Filters and processes impurities, medications, and toxins.
Generates glucose for short-term energy from compounds like lactate and amino acids.
Large Intestine
A large reservoir of microbes and healthy bacteria live in the large intestine and play an important role in healthy digestion.
Once the nutrients have been absorbed, the waste is passed into the large intestine or bowel.
Water is removed, and the waste gets stored in the rectum.
It is then passed out of the body through the anus.
Digestive System Health
Ways to keep the digestive system and the digestive process healthy include:
Drink More Water
Water helps the food flow more easily through the digestive system.
Low amounts of water/dehydration are common causes of constipation.
Add More Fiber
Fiber is beneficial to digestion and helps with regular bowel movements.
Incorporate both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water.
As soluble fiber dissolves, it creates a gel that can improve digestion.
Soluble fiber may reduce blood cholesterol and sugar.
It helps your body improve blood glucose control, which can aid in reducing your risk for diabetes.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water.
Insoluble fiber attracts water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass with less strain on the bowels.
Insoluble fiber can help promote bowel health and regularity and supports insulin sensitivity which can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
Balanced Nutrition
Eat fruit and vegetables daily.
Choose whole grains over processed grains.
Avoid processed foods in general.
Choose poultry and fish more than red meat and limit processed meats.
Cut down on sugar.
Eat Foods with Probiotics or Use Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help combat unhealthy bacteria in the gut.
They also generate healthy substances that nourish the gut.
Consume probiotics after taking antibiotics that often kill all the bacteria in the gut.
Eat Mindfully and Chew Food Slowly
Chewing food thoroughly helps to ensure the body has enough saliva for digestion.
Chewing food thoroughly also makes it easier for nutritional absorption.
Eating slowly gives the body time to digest thoroughly.
It also allows the body to send cues that it is full.
How The Digestive System Works
References
GREENGARD, H. “Digestive system.” Annual review of physiology vol. 9 (1947): 191-224. doi:10.1146/annurev.ph.09.030147.001203
Hoyle, T. “The digestive system: linking theory and practice.” British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) vol. 6,22 (1997): 1285-91. doi:10.12968/bjon.1997.6.22.1285
Martinsen, Tom C et al. “The Phylogeny and Biological Function of Gastric Juice-Microbiological Consequences of Removing Gastric Acid.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,23 6031. 29 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijms20236031
Ramsay, Philip T, and Aaron Carr. “Gastric acid and digestive physiology.” The Surgical clinics of North America vol. 91,5 (2011): 977-82. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2011.06.010
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for nearly 2,000 years. It became popular in Europe in the early 20th century. It has the same health benefits as tea, is rich in probiotics, contains antioxidants, and can destroy harmful bacteria. Kombucha sales are growing at stores because of its health and energy benefits.
Kombucha
It is typically made with black or green tea, sugar, healthy bacteria, and yeast. It is flavored by adding spices or fruits into the tea while it ferments. It is fermented for about a week, when gases, 0.5 percent of alcohol, beneficial bacteria, and acetic acid are produced. The fermentation process makes the tea slightly effervescent. It contains B vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, but the nutritional content will vary depending on the brand and its preparation.
Benefits
The benefits include:
Improved digestion from the fact that fermentation makes probiotics.
Helps with diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome/IBS.
Toxin removal
Increased energy
Improved immune system health
Weight loss
Helps with high blood pressure
Heart disease
Kombucha, made from green tea, includes the benefits of:
Beneficial bacteria are known as probiotics. These same probiotics are found in other fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut. Probiotics help populate the gut with healthy bacteria that aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and produce essential vitamins B and K. The probiotics improve bowel movements and alleviate nausea, bloating, and indigestion.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants and polyphenols benefits include:
Increased metabolic rate
Reduced blood pressure
Lowered cholesterol
Improved cognitive function
Decreased risk of chronic diseases – cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Anti-Bacterial Properties
The fermentation process produces acetic acid that destroys harmful pathogens like invasive bacteria and yeasts, preventing infection.
The anti-bacterial effect also preserves the beneficial bacteria.
Liver Detoxification
It can help detoxify the liver, which:
Improves overall skin health
Improves liver function
Decreases abdominal bloating and pain
Improves digestion and bladder function
Pancreatic Support
It can improve pancreatic function, which can help protect the body from diseases and illnesses like:
Acid reflux
Abdominal spasms
Numbness
Pancreatic cancer
Joint Support
The tea contains compounds like glucosamines that have been shown to improve joint health and relieve joint pain.
Glucosamines increase hyaluronic acid, lubricating the joints, which helps protect and strengthen them.
Satisfy Soda Craving
The variety of flavors and natural carbonation can satisfy the craving for a soda or other unhealthy beverages.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic includes elements of integrative medicine and takes a different approach to health and wellness. Specialists take a comprehensive view of an individual’s health, recognizing the need for a personalized treatment plan to help identify what is needed to get healthy. The team will create a customized plan that fits an individual’s schedule and needs.
Dietitian Explains Kombucha
References
Cortesia, Claudia et al. “Acetic Acid, the active component of vinegar, is an effective tuberculocidal disinfectant.” mBio vol. 5,2 e00013-14. 25 Feb. 2014, doi:10.1128/mBio.00013-14
Costa, Mirian Aparecida de Campos et al. “Effect of kombucha intake on the gut microbiota and obesity-related comorbidities: A systematic review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1-16. 26 Oct. 2021, doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1995321
Gaggìa, Francesca, et al. “Kombucha Beverage from Green, Black and Rooibos Teas: A Comparative Study Looking at Microbiology, Chemistry and Antioxidant Activity.” Nutrients vol. 11,1 1. 20 Dec. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu11010001
Kapp, Julie M, and Walton Sumner. “Kombucha: a systematic review of the empirical evidence of human health benefit.” Annals of epidemiology vol. 30 (2019): 66-70. doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.11.001
Villarreal-Soto, Silvia Alejandra, et al. “Understanding Kombucha Tea Fermentation: A Review.” Journal of food science vol. 83,3 (2018): 580-588. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.14068
The immune system‘s role is to be the “protectors” of the body by attacking invaders that enter the body, cleaning up old cells, and making room for new cells to flourish in the body. The body needs the immune system to function and be healthy from many environmental triggers the body is exposed to daily. When environmental triggers come in contact with the body, it can cause many disruptive factors over time and causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy, normal cells as they see it as a foreign invader, thus causing the body to develop autoimmune diseases. Some environmental triggers like toxic metals could be associated with autoimmune diseases that can affect the body, causing various symptoms to affect the body. Today’s article looks at the effects of toxic metals on the body, how it affects the immune system, and ways to manage the impact of toxic metals on the immune system. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in autoimmune treatments to help many individuals with autoimmune diseases associated with toxic metals. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Effects of Toxic Metals On the Body
Have you been experiencing abdominal pain in your gut? Do you have a bitter metallic taste in your mouth? What about experiencing inflammation affecting not only your joints but your gut as well? Many of these symptoms are signs correlating that you might suffer from toxic metals in your body. The body is constantly exposed to various environmental factors that affect many individuals over time. It can be the foods consumed, the environment a person is exposed to, and their physical activity. Studies reveal that heavy metal pollutants from environmental pollution can enter the human body through various pathways like the respiratory, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal paths and begin to accumulate in different organs. When the body suffers from autoimmune diseases associated with toxic metals, symptoms of inflammation will start to affect the joints in the body. To that point, toxic metals will begin to facilitate their interaction with the immune system, causing the development of autoimmune disease symptoms.
How Does It Affect The Immune System
So how do toxic metals affect the immune system, thus causing symptoms associated with autoimmunity? As stated earlier, the immune system is the body’s protector and, when exposed to environmental disruptors over time, leads to the development of autoimmune diseases. For toxic metals, many people are usually exposed to low levels of metals through consuming fish and shellfish (containing low levels of mercury). However, when individuals are exposed to high levels of heavy metals, studies reveal that certain metals can seriously affect the immune system by overstimulating the different muscle tissues and soluble mediators that cause chronic-inflammatory reactions associated with heavy metals. Some of the symptoms associated with toxic metals causing autoimmunity in the body include:
Numbness
Prickly sensation down hands or feet
Abdominal pain
Inflammation
Joint pain
Muscle weakness
Introduction The Immune System-Video
Have you been experiencing inflammation in your joints? How about feeling muscle weakness in your back, arms, legs, or neck? Or have you been feeling overall discomfort in your body? Many of these symptoms are signs of autoimmune diseases associated with toxic metals. The video above introduces the immune system and how it plays its role in the body. When the body gets exposed to environmental factors like heavy toxic metals, it can cause the development of autoimmune diseases associated with chronic issues like joint inflammation and muscle pain. Different heavy toxic metals can affect other body parts, as studies reveal that these different heavy toxic metals are systemic toxicants that induce adverse health effects on the body. When an individual has been exposed to high levels of heavy toxic metals, chronic issues like joint inflammation can progressively cause pain over time unless treated early on. Luckily, treatments are available to help manage the effects of toxic metals in the immune system associated with joint inflammation.
Managing The Effects Of Toxic Metals In The Immune System
Since the body is exposed to environmental factors constantly, if it is not treated right away, it can lead to autoimmunity associated with chronic symptoms like joint inflammation. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the effects of environmental factors, like lowering the impact of toxic metals on the body system. Studies reveal that incorporating essential minerals protects the DNA sequence from further oxidative damage in the body’s immune system. Other treatments like chiropractic care utilize spinal manipulation on spinal subluxation or spinal misalignment on the joints to reduce inflammation associated with toxic metal autoimmunity. Since there are many ways that autoimmunity can affect the body through environmental triggers, the symptoms associated with autoimmunity are treated through chiropractic care. Chiropractic care not only utilizes spinal manipulation but can help improve the immune system in the body by increasing lymphatic fluid circulation and loosening stiff muscles surrounding the joints. To that point, it allows the body to get rid of toxins and waste that is in the body. Incorporating treatments like chiropractic care can help restore the body to its functional state.
Conclusion
The immune system is the body’s protector from foreign invaders that enter the body. When there are environmental triggers that the body is being exposed to, it can put the body at risk of developing autoimmune disease associated with chronic symptoms like inflammation of the joints. Environmental triggers like heavy metals can be associated with joint inflammation and cause pain in the body. When this happens, the body experiences pain and dysfunction due to inflamed joints. Fortunately, chiropractic treatments utilize spinal manipulation on subluxation (spinal misalignment) to reduce joints’ inflammation and improve lymphatic system circulation. These treatments can help the body manage autoimmunity associated with heavy metals and their symptoms.
References
Ebrahimi, Maryam, et al. “Effects of Lead and Cadmium on the Immune System and Cancer Progression.” Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering, Springer International Publishing, 17 Feb. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7203386/.
Jan, Arif Tasleem, et al. “Heavy Metals and Human Health: Mechanistic Insight into Toxicity and Counter Defense System of Antioxidants.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 10 Dec. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4691126/.
Lehmann, Irina, et al. “Metal Ions Affecting the Immune System.” Metal Ions in Life Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21473381/.
Tchounwou, Paul B, et al. “Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment.” Experientia Supplementum (2012), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144270/.
The digestive system in the body helps with the process of digesting food that the host consumes. The food being digested goes through a bio-transformation where it turns into nutrients and is stored in the intestines, liver, and gallbladder, where it turns into bile to be excreted out of the system to ensure a healthy functional gut system and body. But when disruptive factors like poor eating habits or gut issues start to affect the body and gallbladder, this causes many problems that can make an individual miserable. This affects their quality of life since they are dealing with painful issues in their bodies that overlap the primary source risk profiles. Today’s article looks at the gallbladder, how it functions with the body and parasympathetic nervous system, and how referred shoulder pain and gallbladder dysfunction are connected. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in gastroenterology and chiropractic treatments that help those with issues that affect their shoulders and gallbladder. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is The Gallbladder?
The digestive system comprises the mouth, the internal organs from the GI tract, the liver, the gallbladder, and the anus, where food is consumed, digested, and excreted out of the body to keep it healthy. The gallbladder is a small organ that store and releases bile at the appropriate time into the intestines to be mixed with the digested foods to be excreted out of the body. This pear-shaped organ inflates and deflates like a balloon when it stores and releases bile while having a casual relationship with the nerves and hormones that help regulate the gallbladder functioning properly. Studies reveal that the ganglia become the target of causing the hormone cholecystokinin and the parasympathetic nerve to up or downregulate the neurotransmission to the gallbladder. This causes the gallbladder to be functional in the body.
What Are Its Functions In The Parasympathetic Nervous System?
So what are the functions that the gallbladder provides to the body? For starters, the parasympathetic nervous system allows the body to rest and digest the consumed food to be turned into nutrients. The parasympathetic nervous system also provides gallbladder stimulation as studies reveal that the gallbladder receives innervation from the parasympathetic nervous system connected to the vagus nerve that transmits information to the spine and the brain. Keeping and releasing bile from this pear-shaped organ helps regulate the gastrointestinal tract. This causal relationship between the gallbladder and the parasympathetic nerve is essential because the body needs to know when to store and release bile from the gallbladder, or it might trigger some issues that can do more harm to the body and even affect the gallbladder itself.
Do You Have Shoulder Pain?- Video
Have you been experiencing gut issues causing a sharp or dull ache in your back or sides? How about questionable shoulder pain that seems to come out of nowhere? Or are your experiencing inflammation in your digestive system? Many of these symptoms are signs of visceral-somatic pain affecting the gallbladder. Visceral-somatic pain is defined when there is damage to the organ, and it starts to affect the muscles in a different location in the body. The video above gives an excellent example of visceral-somatic pain in the gallbladder and the shoulder. Now many people wonder how shoulder pain is the mediator of the gallbladder? Well, inflammation in the liver and gallbladder causes the nerve roots to be hypersensitive and compressed. This leads to overlapping profiles, triggering pain in the shoulder muscles and associated with upper mid-back pain.
Referred Shoulder Pain & Gallbladder Dysfunction
Now say the individual is experiencing shoulder pain; however, when they rotate their shoulder, there is no pain? Where is the source of shoulder pain localized, and what is causing the issue? And why is it correlating to the gallbladder? This is known as referred pain, where the source of pain is poorly localized when it is located elsewhere. Studies reveal that gallbladder dysfunctions like cholecystitis might be associated with acute thoracolumbar shoulder pain. So what does this mean? It means that any referred pain that is the causation of shoulder pain gives the impression that something is wrong with the gallbladder. This would provide much-needed information when individuals are being examined by their physicians.
Conclusion
The body needs the digestive system to help process food the host consumes and excretes for a healthy functioning system. The gallbladder stores and releases bile to the digested food. This ensures that the nutrients and bile are transported and passed out of the body. When disruptive factors cause gut issues and affect the gallbladder, it can correlate to different problems impacting the body. An example would be gallbladder issues associated with shoulder pain. This is referred to as pain, which is from an affected organ and associated with the muscle in a different location. This can make the individual feel miserable and wonder what is going on with their shoulders when it might be something associated with their gallbladder. Available treatments can provide better knowledge to determine the problem and how to alleviate the issues.
References
Carter, Chris T. “Acute Thoracolumbar Pain Due to Cholecystitis: A Case Study.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, BioMed Central, 18 Dec. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4683782/.
Jones, Mark W, et al. “Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Gallbladder.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 8 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459288/.
One of the unique features of the body is when the gut and nervous systems have this communication partnership where information is transported back and forth throughout the entire body. The data transmitted to the brain and the gut travels through the nerve roots spread throughout the muscles, tissues, and ligaments that control the motor-sensory functions of the body. When the nerve roots become damaged or when there are gut issues affecting the organs in the gut system or even neurological disorders can cause the body to become dysfunctional and result in other matters affecting the muscles in the legs, arms, back, and neck. Today’s article looks at the functionality of the gut-brain axis, how this connection helps the body, and how disorders like inflammation and gut dysbiosis cause problems to the body and the gut-brain axis. Refer patients to certified, skilled providers specializing in gut treatments for individuals that suffer from gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammation. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
The Functionality Of The Gut-Brain Axis
Have you been experiencing inflammation in your gut? How about feeling tired constantly throughout the entire day? Do any of your joints or muscles ache or feel stiff? Many of these are signs that the gut-brain axis is affected by common factors that the body has encountered. There is evidence that the bi-directional signaling between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain is connected with the vagus nerve. Research studies have mentioned that the vagus nerve is the modulator of the gut-brain axis and is considered the primary component in the parasympathetic nervous system that is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body. The vagus nerve helps the body by overseeing every bodily function like heart rate, digestion responses, immune responses, and sending the brain information about the state of the inner organs. The vagus nerve is also involved in the etiology of several metabolic and mental dysfunctions/disorders that the body encounters that affect the muscles and internal organs. Additional research studies have shown that the vagus nerve has anti-inflammatory properties that are activated from the HPA axis and release the hormone cortisol in the body. The macrophages in the spleen make tumor necrosis factor (TNF) a potent inflammation-producing molecule when the vagus nerve is stimulating the TNF production in the spleen, causing it to decrease. At the same time, the survival portion increases in the body.
How Does The Gut-Brain Axis Help The Body?
With the bi-directional that the gut and brain have on the body, it is evident that environmental factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and mood disorders cause changes in the glutamatergic pathways and neurotrophins in the body. Research studies have mentioned that the gut-brain axis helps influence the autonomic nervous system by activating the immune system. When the immune system is activated, the body can generally function like muscle endurance, provide microbiota-derived SCFAs to the blood-brain barrier, and regulate the body’s homeostasis. When the gut-brain axis starts to become dysfunctional, the immune system will begin to increase its production of cortisol which can cause muscle stiffness and spasms to affect the body. When there is inflammation in the gut system, it can cause the muscles in the body to become weak, and it can affect the spine causing low back pain issues to develop over time. Whenever the gut-brain axis is affected by environmental factors, the body will begin to start causing trouble with these symptoms and making the individual miserable.
The Microbiome Being Affected By Inflammation-Video
Are you experiencing muscle stiffness or weakness in your lower back, neck, or other body parts? Have you experienced mood swings or felt anxious constantly? Many of these symptoms you are experiencing are dysfunctional gut-brain axis affecting your body. The video above explained what happens when the gut microbiome is affected by inflammatory factors causing gut dysbiosis and neurological disorders. Research studies have mentioned that the composition between the gut and the brain as they communicate helps shape the body. When a person starts changing their dietary habits and lifestyle, their gut composition will not only be affected, but their nervous system begins to change too. Unwanted factors can cause many disturbances in the body and, if not treated right away, can develop into chronic issues that affect the joints, muscles, and tissues.
Inflammation And Gut-Brain Dysbiosis
When the gut-brain system is affected by unwanted factors, various symptoms will begin to rise in the body and start wreaking havoc on specific organs, tissues, muscles, and joints that need the gut-brain axis to keep the body functioning. Not only can inflammation cause these unwanted factors, but gut dysbiosis can also affect the T-cells in the immune system. Research studies have mentioned that when inflammatory markers start to translocate harmful bacteria across the gut-epithelial barrier to the blood-brain barrier, it can contribute to multiple sclerosis on the spine. Additional research studies have found that a stroke-induced gut dysfunction in the body allows the commensal bacteria to infect the peripheral tissue, causing infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. When individuals start to figure out what is causing their gut-brain axis to become dysfunctional, they can begin to heal their bodies.
Conclusion
The gut and nervous systems have a special bi-directional connection known as the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis helps the body function by metabolizing the immune system and regulating homeostasis with the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system that allows every bodily function like heart rate, digestion, and immune response while sending information about the state of the inner organs to the brain. The vagus nerve also makes sure that the inner organs are functioning correctly. When unwanted environmental factors like inflammation or gut dysbiosis start to affect the gut-brain axis, it can wreak havoc on the internal organs and cause the body to become dysfunctional. When people notice that their body becomes dysfunctional, they will find treatments available to relieve these issues in their bodies and continue on their health and wellness journey.
References
Appleton, Jeremy. “The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), InnoVision Health Media Inc., Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/.
Bonaz, Bruno, et al. “Vagus Nerve Stimulation at the Interface of Brain-Gut Interactions.” Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6671930/.
Breit, Sigrid, et al. “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, Frontiers Media S.A., 13 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859128/.
Gwak, Min-Gyu, and Sun-Young Chang. “Gut-Brain Connection: Microbiome, Gut Barrier, and Environmental Sensors.” Immune Network, The Korean Association of Immunologists, 16 June 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8263213/.
Günther, Claudia, et al. “The Gut-Brain Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Current and Future Perspectives.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 18 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8396333/.
Stopińska, Katarzyna, et al. “The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis as a Key to Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Mini Review.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, MDPI, 10 Oct. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8539144/.
The body has many nerves that intertwine and branch out from the spinal cord in the central nervous system. These nerves provide many functions that the body needs to work correctly, from motor function on the arms, legs, and neck to sensory functions like perceiving how much light comes into the eyes, that sense of fullness in the gut system, and when something is touching the skin. The body needs these nerves for everyday function and when a person feels pain from accidents and injuries. When there are factors that cause nerve damage or even gut issues that are internally affecting the body, it can cause many symptoms and cause a person to feel gloomy. Today’s article looks at the parasympathetic nervous system, how it affects the gut microbiota, and how autonomic neuropathy disrupts the gut system in many individuals. Refer patients to certified, skilled providers specializing in gut treatments for individuals that suffer from autonomic neuropathy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is The Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Have you experienced gut issues affecting your body? How about feeling dizzy or faint when standing up? Does it seem difficult to adjust your eyesight from dark to light? Or have you experienced gut inflammation? These signs and symptoms are usually affected when the parasympathetic nerves are damaged and causing gut issues in the body. The parasympathetic nervous system. as research has defined it, conserves the body’s energy to be used for a later date while regulating bodily functions. These nerves help the body go into a “resting” condition that allows the body to work in a less stressful environment than the sympathetic nervous system, which drives the “fight or flight” response. The parasympathetic nerves also help with the GI tract, as additional research shows the parasympathetic nervous system helps exert excitatory and inhibitory GI control and motility in the intestines. The parasympathetic nerves and the gut microbiota are connected as they help influence the body’s homeostasis.
How Does It Affect The Gut Microbiota?
So the brain and the gut are connected to the body as they help send the information back and forth to provide the body’s homeostasis and immune function in preventing diseases. So for the parasympathetic nervous system and how it affects the gut microbiota, it’s all due to the vagus nerve that keeps the gut microbiota functioning and doing its job to support the body. Research studies have shown that the vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve helps with the bi-directional communication between the brain and the gut system by overseeing the crucial bodily functions. Some of the tasks that the parasympathetic nervous system does for the gut microbiota include:
Connect emotional and cognitive areas of the brain
An Overview On The Parasympathetic Nerves-Video
Feeling inflammatory effects inside your gut? How about feeling dizzy by just standing for a little bit? Do you have difficulty eating or have a loss of appetite? Many of these signs of parasympathetic nerves are affected, causing abnormalities in the gut microbiota. The video above explains what the parasympathetic nervous system does and how it plays its role in the entire body. The parasympathetic nervous system also has a partnership with the gut microbiota. Research studies mentioned that the interaction between the parasympathetic nervous system and the gut microbiome ensures the proper maintenance of homeostasis and cognitive functions for the body. The gut-brain axis helps promote optimal bodily function while ensuring that the motor-sensory parts are doing their jobs.
How Autonomic Neuropathy Affects The Gut System
Injuries affecting the gut microbiota and the parasympathetic nervous system can cause gut inflammation in the intestines and nerve damage to the nervous system. This is known as autonomic neuropathy, and research shows that this type of neuropathy causes body and gut issues like diabetes and gastrointestinal motility and contributes to other GI symptoms. Other research studies have found that autonomic neuropathy can alter the gut microbiota’s homeostasis regulation. When this happens, the body will start to have various symptoms affecting each organ and making them dysfunctional. The body will develop more symptoms when the gut microbiota becomes affected. These symptoms cause a decrease in vagal outflow or an increase in sympathetic activity, which will be associated with a slow decreased gastrointestinal motility.
Conclusion
The gut and nervous systems have a bi-directional communication that helps provide the body with proper immune support and metabolizing homeostasis for functionality. The nerves in the nervous system are branched out from the spinal cord and help offer many functions to the arms, organs, legs, and muscle tissues. The parasympathetic nerves in the nervous system help the body rest and digest the nutrients provided to the body. When the nerves or the gut suffer from damage, it can cause various problems that cause dysfunction to the motor-sensory functions of the body. When this happens, many individuals can find different treatments to restore body functions to the gut and the parasympathetic nerves and reduce the symptoms that come with it.
References
Breit, Sigrid, et al. “Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain-Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, Frontiers Media S.A., 13 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859128/.
Browning, Kirsteen N, and R Alberto Travagli. “Central Nervous System Control of Gastrointestinal Motility and Secretion and Modulation of Gastrointestinal Functions.” Comprehensive Physiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4858318/.
Kornum, Ditte S, et al. “Assessment of Gastrointestinal Autonomic Dysfunction: Present and Future Perspectives.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, MDPI, 31 Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8037288/.
Mayer, Emeran A. “Gut Feelings: The Emerging Biology of Gut-Brain Communication.” Nature Reviews. Neuroscience, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 13 July 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845678/.
Tindle, Jacob, and Prasanna Tadi. “Neuroanatomy, Parasympathetic Nervous System – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 5 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553141/.
Tougas, G. “The Autonomic Nervous System in Functional Bowel Disorders.” Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology = Journal Canadien De Gastroenterologie, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 1999, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10202203/.
The skin and the gut have a unique connection. The gut system is home to trillions of microorganisms that help metabolize the body’s homeostasis while keeping the immune system functioning for the body to be working correctly. The skin has its set of functions as well as it is the largest organ and helps protect the body from external factors from harm. When these disruptive factors start to affect either the gut or the skin, it can lead to numerous conditions that cause the body to be dysfunctional. When the gut becomes affected by these disruptive factors, it can cause gut disorders and inflammation, affecting the skin and causing disruptions. Today’s article will discuss a skin disorder known as psoriasis and how the gut-skin connection is affected by psoriasis. Referring patients to certified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We provide guidance to our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Psoriasis?
Do you have severe itching along your face and arms? Do certain foods seem to aggravate your digestive tract or skin? Or have you experienced any gut disorders that are affecting your wellbeing? Many of these symptoms are signs of inflammatory issues affecting the gut and are associated with a skin disorder known as psoriasis. Research studies have defined psoriasis as a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is an autoimmune process in which abnormal differentiation and hyper-proliferation of the epidermis occur with redness and scaling. Psoriasis affects about 2% of the general population in the world and is an autoimmune process driven by abnormally activated helper T cells. Additional studies have mentioned that psoriasis is sustained by inflammation that causes the keratinocyte proliferation to be uncontrollable and has dysfunctional differentiation. The inflammatory pathways activate psoriasis in different body locations, causing the individual to become miserable because they are itching and becoming miserable.
An Overview Of Psoriasis-Video
Do you have scaly, patchy lesions in certain areas of your body? Do you feel any gut issues affecting you constantly? Do you feel inflammatory effects disrupting your gut and skin? Many of these conditions are signs that you are experiencing gut disorders associated with a skin disorder known as psoriasis. The video above explains how the gut and skin are affected due to psoriasis and how to heal it naturally. Research studies have mentioned that when the individual is suffering from psoriasis-prone skin, it is due to the alternation of the gut microbiota. When a person scratches the area where psoriasis is formed, it might damage the skin and cause the bacteria to colonize while invoking inflammation to occur in the affected area. Additional research has found that gut disorders like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and psoriasis are interlinked due to the increased interaction of inflammatory receptor pathogens disrupting the body’s immune cells.
How The Gut-Skin Connection Is Affected By Psoriasis
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help metabolize the body’s homeostasis while regulating the immune system. Since the body inhabits microorganisms in various locations, including the skin and gut, it helps maintain homeostasis. The skin helps protect the body from external factors and has bidirectional communication with the gut system. However, like with any autoimmune process, it always starts with the gut. Research studies have mentioned that psoriasis is a multifactorial chronic skin disease that infiltrates the body’s immune cells, causing an increase in skin inflammation and making a person’s life miserable. With the gut system also being inflicted by inflammatory markers, many suffering individuals will experience IBD, SIBO, and other gut disorders that can disrupt the body. Additional information has shown that changes in the microflora in the gut-skin axis from genetic or environmental factors can contribute to various diseases. But when these factors begin to cause an increase in inflammatory markers in the body, it can affect a person’s quality of life through habits that make them miserable.
Conclusion
The body needs the gut and skin to maintain homeostasis and metabolize the immune system. The gut microbiota helps transport the nutrients that the body needs and regulates the body’s immunity, while the skin protects the body from outside factors while being the largest organ. The gut and skin have a bi-directional connection that allows them to keep the body from suffering from dysbiosis. When disruptive factors affect either the gut or the skin, it can lead to many disorders and make a person’s life miserable. The skin suffers from a condition known as psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes itchy, patchy lesions that can affect the areas around the body. Psoriasis is associated with gut disorders, as many factors aggravate the inflammatory markers and can be a nuisance if not treated early. Incorporating small changes that benefit both the gut and skin health can help relieve the individual from psoriasis and bring back their quality of life.
References
Chen, Lihui, et al. “Skin and Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis: Gaining Insight into the Pathophysiology of It and Finding Novel Therapeutic Strategies.” Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers Media S.A., 15 Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7769758/.
De Francesco, Maria Antonia, and Arnaldo Caruso. “The Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis and Crohn’s Disease: Is Its Perturbation a Common Denominator for Their Pathogenesis?” Vaccines, MDPI, 5 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8877283/.
Ellis, Samantha R, et al. “The Skin and Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Common Dermatologic Conditions.” Microorganisms, MDPI, 11 Nov. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920876/.
Nair, Pragya A, and Talel Badri. “Psoriasis.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 6 Apr. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448194/.
Olejniczak-Staruch, Irmina, et al. “Alterations of the Skin and Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 13 Apr. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8069836/.
Rendon, Adriana, and Knut Schäkel. “Psoriasis Pathogenesis and Treatment.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 23 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471628/.
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