Mind-Gut Connection 3
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Transcript Mind-Gut Connection 3
Mind-Gut Connections
Janice Singles, Psy.D., Distinguished Psychologist
Have You Ever?
Tonight………
The amazing gut
Some of the brain-gut connections
Stress and the gut
Research and other interesting things
Contrasting Environments
Gut’s nervous system
What is The Brain in the Gut?
The Enteric Nervous System
is embedded in the lining of
the GI system:
Esophageus
Stomach
Small
colon
intestine
Brain in the Gut
Neurotransmitters: Serotonin
Although manufactured in the
brain, 90-95% of our supply
is found in the digestive tract
Vital for communication
Important to motility and
sensitivity to gut sensations
It is also a “feel good”
hormone
Can operate
independently of
the brain and spinal
cord
Functions of Gut Bacteria
It helps the body to digest certain foods
It helps with the production of some
vitamins
It helps us combat aggressions from other
microorganisms
It plays an important role in the immune
system
The Wonder of Gut Bacteria
Up to a 1000
DIFFERENT
bacteria
species
How Does the Brain and Gut Connect?
Can Stress Impact the Gut?
A state of mental or emotional strain or tension
resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Body’s Stress Response
Brain perceives a threat
Nervous system responds &
releases stress hormones
These hormones helps set up
body for emergency action
including :
heart rate increases
muscles tighten
blood pressure rises
breath quickens
senses sharpen
Our Thoughts Matter
Do we see as a
challenge or a threat?
Do we feel we have the
resources to handle it?
Are our thoughts helpful
or dysfunctional?
What Influences Your Stress Tolerance Level
Social support
Your sense of control
Your attitude and outlook
Your ability to deal with emotions
Your knowledge and preparation
We can’t avoid stress completely!
Coping is what we all want to do
Healthy Coping
What are some healthy ways to cope with stress?
Unhealthy Coping
What are some unhealthy ways to cope with stress?
“I divorced him after I discovered that when I
eat alone, I didn’t get indigestion.”
Gastrointestinal Function
Appears particularly
influenced by stress.
Common symptoms
due to stress are
heartburn, indigestion,
nausea and vomiting,
diarrhea, constipation
and abdominal pain.
How Stress Impacts Your Gut
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Decreased nutrient absorption
Decreased oxygenation to your gut
Four times less blood flow to your digestive system
Decreased metabolism
Decreased enzymatic output
Alterations in gastrointestinal motility
Increase in visceral perception
Changes in gastrointestinal secretion
Negative effects on regenerative capacity of gut
Mind Gut Connection
Symptoms themselves
can be stressful
AND stress itself can
make any symptoms
worse
Some Current and Recent Explorations
Stay
tuned……..
Research
In 2014, the US National Institute of Mental Health
spent more than $1 million on research aimed at the
microbiome connection
Ridaura, V.K., et al., Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate
metabolism in mice. Science, 2013.
Autism Research
Our intestines are
home to a diverse
community of
beneficial organisms.
This community may be
altered in problematic
ways in some
individuals with autism.
Clinical Trial: Prebiotics on Mood
Those taking the prebiotic
had a reduced tendency to
pay attention to negative
information, which is a key
component of anxiety and
depression.
They also had lower
levels of stress hormone
cortisol, which has also
been connected to
anxiety and depression.
Schmidt, et al., 2014, Journal of psychopharmacology
Study: Probiotics for IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common
disorder of the intestines that leads to crampy
pain, gassiness, bloating and changes in bowel
habits.
Adequate relief reported in 47% (11% in
placebo)
Improved global symptom score, pain,
distension/bloating and stool urgency.
Guglielmetti S, et al. RCT: Bifidobacterium bidfidum MIMBb75 significantly alleviates
IBS and improves QOL-a DBPCS. Aliment Pharmacolo Ther. 2011. 33(10)
Cognitive Behavioral Treatment: IBS
Hypnosis for IBS
state of inner
absorption,
concentration
and focused
attention.
Mindfulness Meditation Research: IBS
Calming Physical and Emotional State
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Breathe deeply and feel the expansion in the
abdomen
Imagine breathing into the heart center
Imagine or remember someone you love, or a
beautiful place, or a beloved pet. Something that
makes you feel good now.
Breathe that experience into your heart center