Physiology of Gut brain axis
Gut brain axis is a bidirectional communication that takes place between gut and the CNS.
The Gut microbes communicate to the CNS through channels that is nervous, endocrine, and immune signaling mechanisms.
1. Nervous - Vagus nerve links the gut and the brain.
2.Endocrine - The Hypothalamo- pituitary- adrenal axis is one of the main neuroendocrine pathways that mediates gut brain communication
3. Neurotransmitters- The third channel of communication is through ENTEROCHROMAFFIN CELL SIGNALING . 5-HT/Serotonin is produced by the ECCs of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with 95% of the body’s 5-HT stored in ECCs and enteric neurons, and only 5% stored in the CNS.
4. Neuro-Immune- The interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune system is extensive.
Immune cell chemical mediators called cytokines can also influence the activity of EECs and indirectly influence vagal neurons.
Factors that affect gut brain axis- Diet, Drugs, Geography, stress, mode of birth etc..
The impaired gut microbiome axis is implicated in many diseases like Irritable bowel syndrome, which is mainly triggered by immune system that is altered during chronic stress.
Obesity Neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric disorders, anxiety, pain and many other diseases are associated with GBA dysfunction.
To be healthy we need to keep our gut healthy
• especially Developing infants need exposure to plenty of microorganisms-both pathogenic and commensal-in order for their immune systems to develop and function properly.
• We should eat a varied and high fiber diet
• Reduce the use of antibiotics
• Reduce our stress
FIX YOUR GUT TO FIX YOUR BRAIN