The Connection Between Gut Health and Neurological Disorders

Written by Dr. Felix Rivera Perez

Did you know that in order for our brain and the rest of our body to work adequately, it has to work as a team with all the organs? The brain has a very interesting connection with your gut, and if your gut is not healthy, it can directly impact your brain’s function. It may even influence the development of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease or conditions like anxiety and depression.

The Gut-Brain axis connection refers to a term used to describe the two-way communication system between the central nervous system (the brain) and your digestive tract. Understanding this connection can help us better appreciate the importance of gut health and overall well-being.

At the core of the Gut-Brain axis is the vagus nerve, one of the largest nerves in your body. This nerve acts like a communication highway, sending signals between the brain and the gut and other vital organs in your body, including the heart, lungs, tongue, pharynx, and even your ears, among others. It plays a crucial role in regulating digestion, but what is fascinating is that it also carries signals from the gut to the brain, influencing mood, stress levels, and even cognitive functions. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, whether by eating, stress, or other factors, it can either promote a sense of calm or, in some cases, trigger anxiety or other mood changes. Studies suggest that a healthy, well-functioning vagus nerve can help reduce inflammation and enhance mental clarity. In contrast, dysfunction in the vagus nerve may contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Did you know that according to current scientific understanding, the human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells, with estimates suggesting that there are roughly 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells in the average person? We have approximately 30 trillion human cells, while on average, we also have about 39 trillion microbial cells, indicating that most cells in your body are not actually “human” cells but bacteria.

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, but they do much more than that. The gut microbiome can directly synthesize or influence the production of neurotransmitters (chemicals) like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—which are essential for regulating mood, sleep, and cognitive function. When the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is disrupted, known as dysbiosis, it can negatively impact brain health. Research has shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to the development of many neurological disorders. For example, individuals with Parkinson’s disease have been found to have a distinct microbiome profile, and ongoing studies are exploring how improving gut health could potentially help understand these conditions better, as well as the management, and treatment options that might help slow the progression of such disorders.

Neurotransmitters are another critical link between the gut and the brain. They are chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells, or neurons, across synapses (the gaps between neurons). They play a crucial role in how we think, feel, and behave by facilitating communication throughout the nervous system. Nearly 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and well-being, is produced in the gut. When gut health is compromised, serotonin levels can become imbalanced, leading to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Moreover, the gut produces other neurotransmitters that influence neurological conditions. For instance, GABA, which helps calm the nervous system, is partially made and regulated by the gut microbiome. When the production of neurotransmitters is disrupted, it can contribute to various mental health issues and even neurological diseases.

It is of great importance that we take care of our body since it is the only body we will ever have. Remember that to have a healthy brain, we must take care of the body as a whole.

Caring for our gut health is not just about digestion or going to the bathroom regularly; it is a vital component that supports our brain health and overall well-being.

Maintaining a healthy microbiome and strengthening our gut-brain communication can reduce the risk or severity of certain neurological disorders. Simple changes like eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats, limiting processed foods, staying hydrated, and managing stress can go a long way in promoting a healthy gut—and, by extension, a healthy brain.

Understanding this connection is the first step toward better health, both mentally and physically.

Bon Appétit!

References

Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: The impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701-712.

Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: Interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of Gastroenterology, 28(2), 203-209.

Bonaz, B., Bazin, T., & Pellissier, S. (2018). The Vagus Nerve at the Interface of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 49.

Sampson, T. R., et al. (2016). Gut microbiota regulate motor deficits and neuroinflammation in a model of Parkinson’s disease. Cell, 167(6), 1469-1480.

Strandwitz, P. (2018). Neurotransmitter modulation by the gut microbiota. Brain Research, 1693, 128-133.

Yano, J. M., et al. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. Cell, 161(2), 264-276.

Also books like Super Brain by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph Tanzi

The Mind-Gut Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer