Gut-Brain Connection

Balance Your Gut, Heal Your Body

The Chemistry Of The Gut-Brain Connection

The gut-brain connection occurs in two directions—from the brain to the gut and the brain. An example of the brain-to-gut connection is when a person has a “gut feeling” or when an emotional upset causes a stomach ache or loss of appetite. Most people are familiar with this type of brain-to-gut connection.

The opposite direction, from the gut to the brain, is the subject of this chapter. The gut houses the enteric nervous system, a part of the peripheral nervous system that comprises 100 million neurons connecting the gut to the brain.

At Sponaugle Wellness, we use PET scans and extensive lab testing to create a precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. After treating thousands of patients, Dr. Sponaugle has proven time and time again a correlation between imbalances in the gut biome and how brain chemistry is impacted, leading to the poor performance of bodily systems and a suppressed immune system.

When the gut is in a state of dysbiosis, meaning that there is an imbalance in the ratio of good to bad bacteria, inflammation results. This inflammation destroys the cells lining the intestinal tract, leading to a condition known as increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut. A leaky gut will allow undigested food particles and toxins (microbial and environmental toxins) to enter the bloodstream.

The immune system then responds to these particles and toxins as foreign invaders, which is the immune system's normal response. This response triggers further immune dysregulation and inflammation, which can travel throughout the body in many different areas, including the brain.”

Bringing the gut back into balance by recognizing the underlying contributing factors that create the imbalance in the first place is the first step to building a healthy foundation upon which optimal brain function can be achieved.

Dr. Sponaugle explains the gut-brain connection and the role of brain chemistry with candida gut
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In the video above, Dr. Rick Sponaugle is on the national PBS broadcast of "The Road to Perfect Health" - with digestive care expert Brenda Watson, C.N.C.

Dr. Sponaugle has proven time and time again a correlation between imbalances in the gut biome and how brain chemistry is impacted, leading to the poor performance of bodily systems and a suppressed immune system.

Throughout the interview, Dr. Sponagule explains the gut-brain connection, we have provided some excerpts below:

“The gut houses the enteric nervous system, a part of the peripheral nervous system that is made up of 100 million neurons connecting the gut to the brain.”

“When the gut is in a state of dysbiosis, meaning that there is an imbalance in the ratio of good to bad bacteria, inflammation results. This inflammation destroys the cells lining the intestinal tract, leading to a condition known as increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut. A leaky gut will allow undigested food particles and toxins (both microbial toxins and environmental toxins) to enter the bloodstream. The immune system then responds to these particles and toxins as foreign invaders, which is the normal response of the immune system. This response triggers further immune dysregulation and inflammation, which can travel throughout the body manifesting in many different areas, including the brain.”

“Bringing the gut back into balance by recognizing the underlying contributing factors that create the imbalance in the first place, is the first step to building a healthy foundation upon which optimal brain function can be achieved.”

“Addiction is not a primary disease, but rather as a symptom, or a coping mechanism that patients use to bring their brain back into balance. Often patients use their addiction to anesthetize their emotional pain. Unknowingly, they strive to balance their brain chemistry which subsequently balances their brain’s electrical function.”

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