FOOD TO FEELINGS
By
Cobi Swanepoel
-In the small intestine there are gut sensors, they are called Neuropod cells, and they react to their environment. These Neuropod cells send electrical impulses as synapses on the afferent neuron of the Vagus Nerve.
These Vagal Neurons carry the sensory information from the small intestine to the brainstem, thus linking the signals between the brain and the small intestine.
The neuropod cell connection with the Vagus Nerve serve as a conduit for food in the gut to influence brain function IN SECONDS.
It can influence how we react to things in our environment.
It is called the gut-brain axis.
-Probiotic bacteria produce GABA.
GABA reduces the activity of the neurons to which it binds. It neutralizes over exited neurons. It blocks the impulses between the nerve cells and the brain. It boosts mood and have a calming, relaxing effect on the nervous system. It improves sleep, help with PMS and treat ADD and ADHD
Gut bacteria can also stimulate GABA receptors, leading to calmness.
Low levels of GABA may be linked to:
-anxiety or mood disorders
-Epilepsy
-Chronic pain
-Gut microbes influence and contribute to obesity.
“Fast food kills the bugs that keeps you thin!” It also leads and contributes to IBS and Crohn’s disease.
Highly processed food contains no nutrients and no good microbes.
-Normal gut microbes can affect normal brain development and behaviour functions. By altering signalling between nerve cells that affect anxiety-like behaviour, “fear-extinction” can start to happen. Gut microbes can “transfer” emotions i.e. influence behaviour.
Emotions and feelings are associated with bowel function. Most of our dopamine and serotonin is produced in the gut. Gut microbes can produce factors that can mimic or block serotonin. A deficiency in serotonin causes depression.
GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
It is an amino acid that serves as the primary neurotransmitter ( chemical messenger) in the brain and spinal cord.
Disorder in GABA signalling is implicated in various neurologic and psychiatric conditions. (e.g anxiety)
VAGUS NERVE:
Part of the autonomic central nervous system. Leads from the brainstem to the abdomen.
Various functions including digestion, heart rate, breathing and more