Common Gut Problems

328 Pages·2015·9.94 MB·English

by  Daniel Weber

Core of Self
Common Gut Problems
GIT Two
The Gastrointestinal Tract &
the Core of Self
2
BCNraSin/
Immune AANNSS Endocrine
Enteric
Nervous System Oesophagus
Afferent and
Liver
Efferent
Pancreas
Gallbladder
Stomach
Small Intestine
Large Intestine
Appendix
Rectum
[email protected] 2/02/15
MIND OF THE GUT;
THE EFFERENT & AFFERENT NERVOUS
SYSTEMS, THE VAGAL SYSTEM & THE
MICROBIOME
3
Brains
4
—  In mammals there exist two brains of almost equal importance to
the individual. One is the cranial brain, the instrument of volitions,
of mental progress and physical protection. The other is the
abdominal brain, the instrument of vascular and visceral function.
It is the automatic, vegetative, the subconscious brain of physical
existence. In the cranial brain resides the consciousness of right
and wrong. Here is the seat of all progress, mental and moral . . .
—  However, in the abdomen there exists a brain of wonderful power
maintaining eternal, restless vigilance over its viscera. It presides
over organic life. It dominates the rhythmical function of
viscera. . . . The abdominal brain is a receiver, a reorganiser, an
emitter of nerve forces. It has the power of a brain. It is a reflex
centre in health and disease. . . . (Robinson, 1907, pp. 123-126).
[email protected] 2/02/15
•  For Robinson, the abdominal brain
is centred in the solar plexus (Fig.
1). The abdominal brain is the
primary control center of an
extensive peripheral nervous
system containing a number of
"little brains." Anatomically, this
peripheral system is roughly
equivalent to the autonomic
nervous system.
[email protected] 5 2/02/15
Gut-Brain Trade-off
6
More effective nutrient gathering
Increased Energy
Higher Diet Availability Larger
Quality Brain
Cooking reduces bulk
and creates greater Smaller Gut
nutritional assimilation Increased efficiency:
5% used in assimilation
[email protected] 2/02/15
Gut-Brain Axis
7
—  Communications along the brain-gut axis (GBA) involve
neural pathways as well as immune and endocrine
mechanisms. The two branches of the autonomic nervous
system are integrated anatomically and functionally with
visceral sensory pathways, and are responsible for the
homeostatic regulation of gut function.
—  The autonomic nervous system is also a major mediator of
the visceral response to central influences such as
psychological stress and other central factors.
[email protected] 2/02/15
Mind in the Belly
8
—  We speak of gut reactions and the truth of the ‘instinctive’
response; this ‘feeling response’ is directly related to our
enteric (ENS) and vagal (VNS) nervous systems and, the
ancient and primordial response to attack and danger.
—  Our gut feeling is an important component in the personal
self, to knowing one self.
—  The ENS is of special interest because it is the only
substantial grouping of neurons outside the central nervous
system that form circuits capable of autonomous reflex
activity.
[email protected] 2/02/15
Microbiota-Brain-Nervous System
Interactions
9
—  The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a bi-
directional communication system
through which the brain modulates
gastrointestinal function and
through which gut function is
monitored by the brain.
—  Neural, endocrine and
immunological mechanisms underlie
gut–brain interactions (Bienenstock
& Collins, 2010).
[email protected] 2/02/15
Bowel and Behaviour
10
—  The enteric microbiota interacts with the host to form
essential relationships that govern homeostasis. Despite the
unique enteric bacterial fingerprint of each individual,
there appears to be a certain balance that confers health
benefits.
—  A decrease in the desirable gastrointestinal bacteria will
lead to deterioration in gastrointestinal, neuroendocrine or
immune relationships and ultimately disease.
—  Specific modulation of the enteric microbiota may be a
useful strategy for stress-related disorders and for
modulating the co-morbid aspects of GI disorders such as
IBS and IBD (2011, doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01664.x).
[email protected] 2/02/15