What is the Gut-Brain Axis?
The connection between the gut microbiome and the brain, known as the Gut-Brain Axis, is a rapidly progressing field of research. Every month, there is more data emerging from universities and private labs around the globe that continues to illuminate the role of gut microbes and intestinal function in human health at all stages of development.
Damage to the gut microbiome through antibiotic exposure and limited contact with nature has now been linked to a wide variety of diseases ranging from autism to asthma, allergies to autoimmune diseases, acne to anxiety. First in the United States, and now in many other developed (and developing) countries, we have witnessed extraordinary epidemics in childhood chronic diseases with some surveys showing as many as 46% of American children having a chronic disease.
"46% of American children having a chronic disease"
Our group of scientists and many others around the world are increasingly recognizing that the root cause of this health collapse lies in the “soil” of the human body: the microbiome. Bacteria, fungi, parasites, yeasts, and viruses that live in every nook and cranny of our body seem to be collectively responsible for the provision of the life-giving nutrients that our bodies need to function properly.
Gut-Brain Health Explained
Studies have shown that a diverse gut microbiome can support the intestinal barrier.
The Gut-Brain Axis is bidirectional communication comprised of three systems:
- Intestinal barrier and immune system
- Endocrine (hormone-producing cells) system
- Nervous system
Approximately 15% of this intestinal lining is composed of enteric endocrine cells. These cells produce over 90% of the serotonin and over 50% of the dopamine neurotransmitters.
The brain does not produce its own neurotransmitters, the gut does!
This is a massive paradigm shift in the current ideology of the brain’s functions.
In light of this data, it is not surprising that damage to the microbiome and intestinal lining is commonly associated with neurologic diseases such as autism, depression, and anxiety. The gut barrier is the first line of defense against intestinal pathogens and toxins. It is responsible for the carefully regulated passage of water, electrolytes, macro-, and micronutrients from our diet. In order for our bodies and minds to function properly, our gut must first do so.
Read the science: How ION* Gut Support helps the body naturally support stronger tight junctions.
Improve Your Mental Clarity Naturally
Our research laboratories at Biomic Sciences have been working to explain the connection between the loss of the microbiome and the increase in gut and blood/brain dysfunction (leaky gut and leaky brain). We have been able to demonstrate that the communication network provided by the digestive molecules of the microbiome directly support these critical barriers.
While there isn’t a quick fix for “healing” the Gut-Brain Axis, balancing the gut microbiome with gut health supplements allows our bodies to rebuild their natural defenses. ION* Gut Support helps strengthen tight junction integrity in the epithelial layer, allowing your gut to flourish on its own. This in turn allows you to thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
"ION* Gut Support helps strengthen tight junction integrity in the epithelial layer, allowing your gut to flourish on its own. This in turn allows you to thrive in mind, body, and spirit."
How fascinating that a massive ecosystem of bacteria and fungi in the soils of the jungles and rainforests of 60 million years ago passed down to us a molecular communication system that would support human health in the most toxic and desperate moments of our short history on this planet. Even as we destroy the soils of the earth with global chemical farming, Mother Earth delivers this ancient gift.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of hope, research and discovery. We are so glad you’ve found ION*.
Zach Bush, MD with Luis Matavelli, PhD
