our gut is are second brain

[[ra...]]

Im going to focus on my gut maybe it will help withdrawal. im tired of suffering ive been having stomach problems from the beginning. if I could fix my stomach I could fix my brain.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In recent years, the link between the nervous system and the digestive system has been recognized. There is a constant exchange of chemicals and electrical messages between the two systems. In fact, many scientists often refer to them as one entity – the brain-gut axis. Therefore, what affects the stomach will directly affect the brain and vice versa.

 

Medications designed to target the brain can also cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal upset because the body actually has two brains – one encased in the skull, and a lesser known but vitally important one found in the human gut. Fat-soluble drugs penetrate the gut wall, thus injuring the natural balance of the digestive system. Antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sleeping pills are fat-soluble.

 

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are believed to ease depression by enhancing levels of Serotonin to the brain. But 95% of the Serotonin in the body lies in the digestive system, and diverting the supplies of Serotonin can increase anxiety, alter sleep patterns and cause sexual dysfunction as well as adversely affect the cardiovascular region. Balancing the hotbed of Serotonin production in the gut is critical to restoring the balance.

 

Some scientists believe that SSRIs boost Serotonin in the gut and change the signals to the brain, since antidepressants prevent the uptake of Serotonin by cells that should be using it. But Serotonin is calming to the digestive tract. This helps to explain why a large percentage of people experience nausea, stomach upset, constipation and diarrhea, which in turn can cause depression, anxiety, insomnia and fluctuations in appetite.

 

GABA receptors for Benzodiazepines and Sleeping Pills are also located in the gut and depress gastrointestinal movement, which causes constipation. But the continued use of medications that target GABA also increase the level of stress on the body. And in many ways, the connection between stress and the gut may be the most visible brain-gut connection.  Chronic stress can result in indigestion, ulcers and a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including colon spasms. This may explain why the gut naturally produces benzodiazepines.

 

Nearly every chemical that controls the brain is also located in the stomach region, including hormones and neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Dopamine, Glutamate, GABA and Norepinephrine. The gut contains 100 million neurons – more than the spinal cord. But there are also two-dozen small brain proteins; major cells of the immune system; one class of the body’s natural opiates; and native benzodiazepines. The gut, known as the enteric nervous system, is located in sheaths of tissue lining the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon, and plays a key role in human emotions. But few know the enteric nervous system exists, and therefore gut health is often overlooked. Symptoms from the two brains can get confused, and just as the brain can upset the gut, the gut can also upset the brain.

 

The brain signals the gut region by talking to a small number of command neurons, which in turn signal relay neurons that carry messages and control the pattern of activity in the gut. The term Solar Plexus simply refers to the nerves in the abdomen. But these plexuses also contain cells that nourish neurons and are involved in immune response and the protection of the “blood brain barrier” to keep harmful substances away from the important neurons. There are also sensors for sugar, protein, acid and other factors that monitor the progress of digestion, determining how the gut mixes and handles it’s contents.

 

During sleep, the head’s brain produces 90-minute cycles of slow wave sleep, followed by periods of rapid eye movement (REM) where dreams occur. During the night, when it is empty, the gut’s brain produces 90-minute slow wave muscle contractions, followed by short bursts of rapid muscle movement. These two brains are linked even in sleep. Individuals with bowel problems have been shown to also have abnormal REM sleep.

 

When the central brain encounters severe tension, it releases stress hormones that prepare the body to either flee or fight. The stomach in turn contains many sensory nerves that are stimulated by this chemical surge – thus the feeling of butterflies. Fear also causes the Serotonin circuits in the gut to increase their intensity, resulting in diarrhea.

 

Both stimulation and inhibition are important to the normal transmission of messages. GABA neurons selectively slow the excited responses, which is why benzodiazepines are known to dampen experiences. GABA enhancing drugs such as benzodiazepines and sleeping pills perform a sedative force on the GABA receptors. But GABA is meant to only periodically regulate the excited transmissions, and the long-term intensification of GABA can decrease the receptor’s ability to reduce excitation – thus creating increased anxiety, insomnia and depression.

 

Sleep and waking is regulated by many neurotransmitters including Noradrenaline, Serotonin, Acetyl-Choline, Dopamine, GABA, the pituitary hormones and Melatonin. Any drugs that alter the balance of these neurotransmitters can also affect sleep. The answer is not to add more GABA, Serotonin or other chemicals, but to restore the equilibrium of chemical production.

 

There is a natural symphony of chemicals in the stomach region that balance our emotions, sleep, pain and energy. Benzodiazepines cause profound alterations throughout the brain and gut and an eventual reduction in GABA levels. Dose tolerance and abrupt withdrawals may be accompanied by uncontrolled release of Dopamine, Serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Lower GABA levels cause an increase in Norpinepherin that encourages quick emotional responses such as anger, and discourages deliberate logical thinking. High Norpinepherin causes adrenalin to be released, which can cause the heart to beat faster and harder. This also causes red corpuscle reserves to be placed in the bloodstream, which in turn causes energy sources, nutrients and oxygen to be diverted from organs and into the muscles. This is where high blood pressure occurs.

 

But low GABA also causes a decrease in Serotonin, which makes sleep difficult and causes depression, irritability and a lack of rational emotion. The benzodiazepine receptors are also involved in the regulation of pain perception, modulation of the immune and inflammatory systems, and the protection of cells from damage by free radicals. This helps to explain why continued use of benzodiazepines can increase pain and cause a breakdown of the immune system, while also inducing anxiety and insomnia.

 

Often a painkiller is added. But pain medication lowers natural Opioid levels, resulting in abnormal pain perception - causing an increase in Dopamine release that leads to anxiety. Continued Dopamine release causes emotional fatigue. But low Opioid levels also cause the lowering of GABA, which can increase anxiety, insecurity, unexplained panic and depression.  And low GABA causes a decrease in Serotonin, which makes sleep difficult and causes irritability and a lack of rational emotion. The Serotonin reduction further decreases Opioid levels, and the Stress Cycle repeats with increasing intensity. Every time one neurotransmitter is altered, it starts a chain reaction in the remaining chemicals.

 

Because many medications stimulate sensory nerves in the stomach, they can also cause nausea, constipation or diarrhea. Even some antibiotics act on gut receptors, causing cramps and nausea. Drugs like morphine and benzodiazepines attach to the gut’s GABA receptors and produce constipation. SSRIs work by redistributing neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Norepenephrine, which can also cause constipation or diarrhea. Therefore, a healthy stomach is essential to keep the precise balance of chemicals for optimal mental and physical health.

 

Various chemicals in the stomach also work to breakdown food. They include the digestive enzymes pepsin, rennin and lipase, but also the production of hydrochloric acid to establish a suitable environment for the enzymes and assist in digestion.

 

Often additional medications are added to stop the production of stomach acid in an attempt to ease gas, bloating and pain. But without adequate acid, the entire sequence of digestion can become compromised, since gastric acid is necessary for optimal digestion and nutrient assimilation. Hydrochloric acid is the prevalent stomach acid that is secreted naturally and is necessary to breakdown and absorb protein; activate enzymes; and for the absorption of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. The presence of acid also assists in muscle contractions thatpush food through the intestines while destroying parasites, bacteria, fungi and other invaders. Without sufficient acid, microorganisms that are normally destroyed can proliferate, raising the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Additionally, the acid coming from the stomach tells the pancreas and gall bladder to pour alkaline juices in the small intestine. Without the alkaline release, a systemic acid level can build to dangerous levels, and has been associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. And of course, an imbalance in the stomach adversely affects the brain, resulting in increased anxiety, depression and insomnia.

 

The digestive tract should have 400 types of healthy bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. Antibiotics not only kill the harmful bacteria, but also destroy beneficial bacteria essential to a healthy digestive tract. This in turn impairs digestion and the assimilation of nutrients. But stress, medications, poor diet and even treated city water that contain chlorine and sodium flouride all contribute to the breakdown of the healthy stomach bacteria. Therefore, it is important to replenish the friendly bacteria to maintain good health.

 

A healthy lower intestine should contain at least 85% friendly bacteria to prevent the over colonization of microorganisms like E. coli and salmonella. Our bodies can sustain healthy states with 15% bad bacteria, but unfortunately most have the balance inverted.  The human body should have 20 times more beneficial bacteria than cells to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and help fight illness and disease.

 

Probiotics are carefully prepared friendly bacteria that replenish the microbial balance. Probiotics enhance the immune system by protecting the body from unfriendly organisms, while preventing the overgrowth of yeast and fungus. Poor intestinal flora can contribute to depression by altering the immune system and the natural production of enzymes that assist with the absorption of nutrients. While excessive harmful bacteria byproducts can interfere with the production of neurotransmitters, beneficial bacteria eases gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, while supporting the production of chemicals that are inherent to life.

 

Good health fundamentally depends upon the friendly, symbiotic bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract and promote health. Gut health is an essential component of our general wellbeing, and Probiotics contain millions and millions of live beneficial bacteria that bolster and replenish the body. We strongly recommend daily intake of probiotics and digestive enzymes to help maintain good gut and digestive health.                 

[[Su...]]

How do you plan on fixing your second brain ?  This is driving me crazy, too.

Seems like benzos did a number on our guts....funny thing... I was taking my drug to fix the mess that cipro created.  What a mess !!!! 

[Guest [Cl...]]

 

Who wrote this article?

[[ra...]]

im switching to a gluten free diet easier on stomach went to healthfood store bought some digest enzymes called digest spectrum. kefer to mix in my shakes like the article said you need to put back the good bacteria in the stomach because the drug that destroyed  it 

[[Bi...]]

raypach,

 

Can you tell us who wrote this?

 

Thank you.

 

Billy.

[[Be...]]

I had read this previously.  I believe it is from Point of Return.

http://www.pointofreturn.com/gut_health.html

[[Bi...]]

I had read this previously.  I believe it is from Point of Return.

http://www.pointofreturn.com/gut_health.html

 

Thanks Betty

[[ra...]]

another article    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=gut-second-brain

[[Bi...]]

another article    http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=gut-second-brain

 

Thanks ray. I'm an article buff.

[[Su...]]

What are your stomach symptoms... raypach ? 

[[ra...]]

my food just wont digest I have lost 30 pounds no matter how much I eat (malabsorption) never had this in my life so I no its from withdrawal    I also found this article about my restlessness.  maybe this is why I cant relax do to malabsorption.                                        Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

 

First, RLS is classified as a "motion disorder" and is an uncontrollable need to move your extremities, can be arms but many just have it in their legs, when sitting down or sleeping. There are medications used in the treatment but the cause is ...as yet unknown.

 

I have another theory and again I am not a doctor so if you find this may pertain to you see a doctor and ask them about Getting Tested.

 

I think that if you have low blood pressure and a vitamin deficiency that you will be at a higher risk for RLS. That just as your body has the INvoluntary response to shiver when your cold, or when you have a high fever, to bring your body back to equilibrium it also may play a part in RLS. Specifically, that when your body's active a vitamin deficient person's cells are barely getting enough nutrients.  Then you slow your conveyor belt of nutrients getting to the cells and your cells start starving. In an attempt to speed up the conveyor belt, circulation, your body sends signals to your extremities to move which is the best way to increase blood pressure and speed of circulation.

 

If this vitamin deficiency, which may be due to a malabsorption issue, is left unchecked that it will most possibly lead to secondary disease processes.

 

About one week after I came up with this idea I read the below article. A James Connor of Penn State University in 2004 determined that some people with RLS have a vitamin deficiency, in this case iron, that was due to a lack of proteins that transport the vitamins.  It was a vitamin deficiency due to an absorption problem, for more details see URL below.  Again if you feel this may apply to you go to your doctor and ask about Getting Tested.

http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/61/3/304?ck=nck

 

I am adding this information to the RAMS website since my aunt, maid of honor in my wedding, has RA and Restless Leg Syndrome.  It seems many with RLS have other diseases which fits my theory that if you have low blood pressure plus a large deficiency your body will try to keep from starving, at the cell level, by stimulating movement thus increasing blood pressure.  If you have LOW blood pressure and deficiency then RLS will most likely be a precursor to a secondary disease process.

 

I started my daughter on an absorbable vitamin over the summer and within 48 hours she stopped pushing with her legs. As long as she stays on the vitamin she does not have an issue. She is finally getting a good night's sleep. This seems to be increasing the growth hormone emitted at night because she has stayed in the 10 percentile of height. As of April when she went in for her 5 year vaccinations she was 40 inches. July we started the vitamins and earlier in Jan I measured her at 42 1/4 inches which would put her at 25 percentile. If she grows about 1/2-3/4 inch in the next three months she will be in the 35percentile in one year!  I am happy that she is getting good sleep, growing and hopefully reducing her risk of long term diseases that are associated with RLS such as RA, MS, CFS, Fibro, diabetes and hypertension (the last two are related to anyone with insomnia)

[[Su...]]

I lost weight too....even though I had a huge appetite. My symptoms are IBS related, also stomach pain, and heartburn.  Stress seems to trigger a lot of my symptoms. I had an endoscopy a few years ago which showed h-pylori, but the doctor didn't think it was causing any problem, at that time.  Doctors don't feel comfortable with treating it...because antibiotics flared up my stomach pretty bad.  That is why I ended up taking these meds.  After getting off the drug...I've gained back most of the weight I lost.  Interesting, about RLS.  I've never had it.

You are posting some good information here.  Thanks !

[[ra...]]

here is another article  might help our stomach          http://drpinna.com/virgin-coconut-oil-and-stomach-acid-16443                                                                                     

[[sm...]]

I lost weight too....even though I had a huge appetite. My symptoms are IBS related, also stomach pain, and heartburn.  Stress seems to trigger a lot of my symptoms. I had an endoscopy a few years ago which showed h-pylori, but the doctor didn't think it was causing any problem, at that time.  Doctors don't feel comfortable with treating it...because antibiotics flared up my stomach pretty bad.  That is why I ended up taking these meds.  After getting off the drug...I've gained back most of the weight I lost.  Interesting, about RLS.  I've never had it.

You are posting some good information here.  Thanks !

 

Your doc didn't treat a proven H-pylori infection? That just doesn't sound right.

 

 

[[Wi...]]

I was diagnosed with Severe PMS by a GP (which was the problem).  That diagnosis was dismissed by a psych and I was told I had Rapid Cycling Bipolar II (NOT the problem) and prescribed Tegretol and Zoloft (and a host of others) for many many years.  Many years later I got the severe PMS resolved, and with it all of the symptoms of the Rapid Cycling Bipolar II (shock).

 

Seeing no need to be on those meds, I w/d from both Tegretol and Zoloft.  My digestive system went insane.  I was initially diagnosed IBS, then gallbladder disease and had the gallbladder removed only to find out my gallbladder was not the problem.  I was then diagnosed with Lymphocytic colitis (chronic auto immune disease with no cure) and subsequently Celiacs Disease (also no cure, but in remission based on diet change), both as a result of chronic use of Tegretol.  Apparently, as you noted above, the Zoloft was hiding the s/x because it was directly after w/d'ing the zoloft that everything went to hell.

 

So now I have two chronic GI auto immune diseases, no gallbladder and w/d'ing from benzos.  The side effects of each set off the others.  I often feel like a Pinball game.

 

So what is my point? hmmm not sure except that this article helps me understand and reaffirms that I have every right to feel as sick as I do.  That actually makes me feel better lol.

 

Thanks for the information!

 

WWWI

[[Su...]]

Wow !  I had no idea that Virgin Coconut Oil could be used for h-pylori.  Two of my neighbors were treated for h-pylori, and they keep testing positive after going through the treatment.  I don't think I could handle the treatment, right now.  The Virgin Coconut Oil sounds like it would be worth a try...and they use it for heartburn, reflux treatment.  I had heard that before, but wondered if it could cause heartburn.  I thought coconut was hard on the stomach.  Think that I read that DGL helps kill h-pylori, too.  I bought some...and chewed a half wafer.  It caused the spot that burns near my heart...to really burn, and I didn't take it again.  I'm wondering now, if I have irritation or an ulcer in my esophagus ?  I had no idea that h-pylori invades the esophagus, too.  One of my GI doctors said that it stays in the stomach.

 

WiseWoman.....I totally understand.  My gut and stomach are having a hard time after taking these drugs.  I took Prozac for a year...also tagamet...some PPI's...Xanax for 3 months...along with Librax.... and just started to feel like my entire digestive system was screaming..."Give me a Break" !  It's almost like my GI tract doesn't know how to function right, any more.  Then I have to worry about h-pylori being at the root of it all...even though the GI docs said IBS was my problem.  IBS...meaning they probably think my nerves are the problem....and I know that stress aggravates IBS. 

[[mc...]]

Regarding gut health, I just recently listened to this Dr on a podcast on itunes that I think you all would enjoy and get some good information. This guy really seems to know his stuff. In itunes podcasts look for "The Balancing Point" by Dr. John Nieters episode 49 on August 1,2011 and episode 47 on August 8, 2011. This guy is great, wish I still lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, I would go to him in a heart beat. Let me know what you think.

Marta

[[Fl...]]

I take coconut oil, & Lauricidin ( which is from the coconut.) I drink coconut water when I can also.  I take a good probiotic that is kept refrigerated to keep them alive.  I also take digestive enzymes.  I take DGL which does help instead of using a Tums.  The one I just bought has too much sugar in it though so read the label before buying. I have bad reflux which makes my asthma worse.  I also use digestable aloe and swish it in my mouth before bed to help with mouth and throat irritation. You can swallow it also with no probelm as long as it is Digestable aloe not topical!  It is soothing to the whole tract and can help with constipation I think.  I have read that organic fermented products are very good for the digestive tract but I do not eat enough of them.  Thanks for posting all the good info.  I was reading an article today about how certain foods like wheat and potatoes are like benozs in someway and that is why some people have food addiction's.  I thought it was interesting as i am wondering if say when one has really bad WD and needs some kind of relief can one eat potatoes and get some relief.  I know that sounds crazy but there used to be a book called Potatoes Not Prozac. I am trying to find something natural for if I get bad WD sx again. anyway good posts on here, thanks again.

[[Kl...]]

I am surprised that a doctor would not treat H-pylori with an antibiotic....I think that is standard.

 

I do know that coconut oil is a good anti-fungal for treating yeast/candidia....I do not know if it is also an antibiotic. Some plants are both.

 

If you have been on antibiotics and you are having nausea you might look into the candida....it gave me nausea and depression 15 years ago before any benzos. IT is hard to diagnose but easy to treat. It results in a compromised immune system and has dozens of side effects just like benzos

 

My wife had the surgery for the Hiatial hernia that was causing her acid reflux.......but acid reflux can also be caused by candida or....in older guys....not enough acid produced by the gut. So it takes a long time to digest food....and eventually the food comes up along with the weak acid and gives you that reflux burn. Taking hydrochloric acid capsules with meals that have meat in them really helps digestion. Also, if you have been on proton pump inhibitors......the HCL caps will help kick start your stomach into producing acid again......the pump inhibitors reduce acid which can mean you are no longer digesting and absorbing important nutrients....and you get weak and shaky and nauseous.

 

But the nausea I had during wd was because something like 70% of our benzo receptors are in our gut....and they go into wd also. Phenergan really helped me with that...need a script.

[[ra...]]

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html

[[ra...]]

http://youtu.be/oVN6qxrIyq4

[[da...]]

Raypach

Thank you so much for this thread.  It fills in alot of important blank spots in my understanding.  BTW I too lost 30lbs (rapidly).  HCL pills (per Klondike) with meals and "3 lac" probiotics turned things arround for me.

 

Sunny girl

Thanks for warning others about cipro,  It has seriously messed things up for several close friends including my wife.  The FDA has now "black boxed" it.  Can't believe someones response was benzos!  Ouch!!!