422 The Brain-Gut Axis [29 May 2017]

Last week we looked at how our gut microbiome affects our immune system. This week we’ll discuss how it affects our brain, mood and memory. I last wrote about this topic two years ago [#320]. The network of neurons and chemical pathways connecting the digestive tract and the central nervous system is called the Brain-Gut Axis.

The brain uses this axis to monitor the digestive tract for hunger, stress, and the presence of pathogens; and to control aspects of it, including transit speed, production of mucous lining the colon, and the secretion of stomach acid, bile and pancreatic enzymes. But the signaling goes both ways – the condition of the digestive tract, including the bacteria living in it, also influences the brain.

Justin and Erica Sonnenburg in their 2015 book The Good Gut devote a chapter to this connection and share findings from some of their animal experiments. Lab mice specially raised to have a bacteria-free gut lacked the caution that helps wild mice avoid predators, and scored lower in memory tests than mice with normal gut microbes. Other experiments showed that transplanting gut bacteria from anxious mice to calm mice increased their anxiety (and vice versa) along with measurable changes in their brain biochemistry.

One way that the gut bacteria influence the nervous system is by the chemicals they produce which get absorbed into the bloodstream. Some of these chemicals have a beneficial effect like the short chain fatty acids mentioned last week. An estimated 90% of our serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is produced in our gut with the help of certain bacteria. Other bacteria-produced chemicals are toxic and have undesirable effects. An example is EPS, which was found to be greatly elevated in mice with autistic-like behavior; the behavior improved when different bacteria were introduced which normalized the EPS levels.

Research holds the promise of modifying our microbiome in the treatment of not only inflammation related chronic diseases like MS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), but also mood disorders like stress, anxiety, depression, and even neurological conditions like autism, ADHD, OCD, and schizophrenia. This is one field of research that I plan to keep an eye on. More next week.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

278 Could Probiotics Make You Sick? [28 July 2014]

Probiotics are beneficial micro-organisms taken as a supplement for healthy digestion and many other health benefits, especially following a course of antibiotics (see my posts #78, 172, 173 & 243). But in rare situations probiotics can cause an illness called D-lactate acidosis.

Lactic acid (lactate) is produced by lactobacillus and other types of bacteria in our intestines. There are two forms of lactic acid: L-lactate and D-lactate. Certain bacteria in probiotics like L. acidophilus produce more D-lactate than others. Some people – especially those who have bowel disease or had bowel surgery (short bowel syndrome) – have an impaired ability to metabolize the D-lactate form, resulting in lactic acidosis. D-lactose intolerance is associated with carbohydrate intolerance and leaky gut syndrome.

D-lactate acidosis can also be caused by antibiotics. L Acidophilus is relatively resistant to common antibiotics so may proliferate post treatment.

D-lactic acidosis affects the central nervous system causing symptoms including:
• Weakness and fatigue
• Inability to concentrate
• Agitation, irritability, hostility
• Headache, teeth grinding, involuntary eye movement
• Slurred speech
• Impaired motor coordination, gait disturbance
• Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea

There is a lab test for blood levels of lactic acid to aid in diagnosing this condition. Ironically one treatment is antibiotics. A low carbohydrate diet also helps. Probiotics without L. acidophilus may be helpful if tolerated.

My purpose in sharing this information is not to scare anyone from using probiotics. They are beneficial for almost everyone and essential for many. But should you experience a severe reaction after taking a probiotic, don’t just assume it’s a temporary “die off” reaction from toxins released by dying harmful bacteria. You could be one of the very rare “lucky” people with impaired D-lactate metabolism that require a low carb diet and a special L. acidophilus-free probiotic.

186 Amino Acids & Mood Disorders [9 October 2012]

Customers at my store often ask for certain supplements – usually single amino acids or other neurotransmitter precursors – to help with mood disorders. For example: tryptophan and melatonin for insomnia; theanine and 5-HTP for anxiety; or tyrosine and glutamic acid for depression. These can be effective and safer than pharmaceuticals but still don’t get at the root cause of the problem.

Dr. Jonathan Wright in his website Nutrition and Healing recommends testing for amino acid levels and supplementing with a customized supplement that includes all eight essential aminos. This is preferable to just taking one or two because balance is critical with aminos. Then he takes it a step further and looks for possible causes of amino deficiencies. It may be a diet lacking high quality protein, low stomach acid, insufficient pancreatic enzymes, gluten sensitivity or food allergies. Another possible root cause is dysbiosis – a lack of beneficial bacteria in your intestines (see my column #147 “The Brain-Gut Connection”).

If you think you might benefit from amino acid supplementation, ask your doctor for an amino acid level test. If that is not possible, a compromise would be to take an amino complex along with one or two of the aminos you think would help you. Dr Wright recommends B12 & folic acid supplementation along with the aminos. Betaine hydrochloride and digestive enzymes will help with protein digestion. A good probiotic program will restore beneficial gut flora. A fish oil supplement would be another good addition to your mood enhancement program. For more ideas see my columns #24 “Food & Mood”; #74 “Depression”; #75 “Omega 3s & Depression”; and #167 “Zesty or Tranquil”. These are available from my website (see below). It may take several months for your body to build up the neurotransmitter levels back to normal, so don’t give up too soon.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

167 Zesty or Tranquil? [28 May 2012]

Two weeks ago I mentioned that one of the functions of amino acids is to act as precursors to neuropeptides (NPs) and neurotransmitters (NTs). Neuropeptides are short chains of amino acids found in neurons (nerve cells) that control many body functions including pain. One called Substance P transmits pain from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system; other NPs called endorphins block this transmission. Opiate drugs like morphine are similar to and work like endorphins.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. They control our mood and certain physiological effects such as appetite, sleep, heart rate and temperature. NTs are divided into two classes depending on their effect on our mood – excitatory and inhibitory.

The main excitatory NTs are epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Released during high stress they prepare our bodies for “fight or flight”. The amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine are precursors to dopamine, another excitatory NT. In the right balance excitatory NTs elevate our mood, improve our memory and ability to focus, and increase energy and sex drive; they could be called the “Zesty Neurotransmitters”.

The main inhibitory NTs are GABA and serotonin. The amino acid taurine is a precursor to GABA, and L-theanine, an amino acid abundant in green tea, promotes the production of GABA. The amino acid tryptophan is converted in our bodies to 5HTP which in turn is a precursor to serotonin. The inhibitory NTs reduce tension and anxiety, calm and relax our mood, improve sleep, and enable us to handle stress; they could be called the “Tranquil Neurotransmitters”.

Optimum emotional health requires a balance of the “zesty” and “tranquil” NTs. Which do you need more of in your life? Caution: people with serious mood disorders (bipolar, severe depression) should not experiment with supplemental neurotransmitters without medical supervision.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

024 Food and Mood [10 August 2009]

Julia Ross in her 2004 book “The Mood Cure” shares good news for those suffering from mood disorders. She explains how we can feel better naturally, without the use of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or anti-depressants. Furthermore she predicts that we can begin to see the results in just one day.

Whether we experience depression, anxiety, oversensitivity, compulsive behaviors, eating disorders, food cravings or addictions, Julia offers hope of a drug-free cure using a special diet and certain supplements.

The diet is high in protein and supplemented with amino acids to provide the building blocks for your body to synthesize the hormones and neurotransmitters that we need to feel good. The only carbs allowed are vegetables. [Note: in this respect the program is similar to the Atkins Diet]

The diet emphasizes Omega 3 efas (essential fatty acids), particularly DHA and EPA from fish oils, which improve our mood. Flax oil is a good source of ALA, another Omega 3 efa, but one that requires conversion by enzymes that are lacking in most of us. Olive oil is high in Omega 9, another good-mood efa, so is included in the diet. Omega 6 efas found in most vegetable oils and margarines worsen your mood and are replaced in the diet with healthy saturated fats like coconut oil and butter. In her book Ross explains that the myth of saturated fats as the cause of heart disease is not supported by nutritional studies [more on this in another column].

Other supplements used in Ross’ program may include Folic Acid, GABA and 5HTP. In her clinic, Ross found that the amino acid 5HTP could usually elevate mood noticeably within 24 hours. A 2001 study by Eli Lilly showed that 5HTP increased serotonin more than 4 times more effectively than Prozac. Other clinical studies found 5HTP at least as effective as SSRI anti-depressants but without the side effects.

An interesting “side effect” of Ross’ mood program is a 180 turn around in food cravings. Instead of craving unhealthy and fattening foods like ice cream and pasta, healthy foods like protein and vegetables become more appealing. The result is a return to a more healthy weight as well as a healthy mood. This is especially significant when one of the side effects of many antidepressants is weight gain.

This information was gleaned from articles published in the summer 2009 Healthy Horizons magazine. Stop in for your free copy. You can also look up Julia Ross’ website at http://www.moodcure.com/.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.