Q:  Where is the body’s hidden brain?

A:  In the gut, in the intestines.

Q:  How can this be so?  Are you saying the gut has secret “brain-like” functions?

A:  They’re not secret anymore.  For example, a NY Times article (January 23, 1996) points out that about 95% of the brain chemical, serotonin, is manufactured in the gut.  Serotonin has a direct effect on calmness and good sleep. 

Q:  Are other brain chemicals found in the gut?

A:  Yes.  Dopamine, histamine, GABA and acetylcholine, to name a few. This complex is called the “enteric nervous system” and its neuro-chemicals communicate with those in the brain.  Therefore, the gut plays a major role in happiness, as well as misery.

Q: How does this fit in with the Body-Mind Connection?

A: The link with this very dynamic connection is the GI or Intestinal Tract. It not only turns our food into fuel, but also is a crucial chemical factory for our thoughts and emotions.

Q:  What does all this mean for the patient?

A:  Monitoring and improving the health of the intestines is vital to stress management.  The more we focus on the health of the intestinal tract, the more control over emotional, mental, and physical stress we’ll have.

Q:  So, a person can have emotional imbalances because they have problems in their intestines?

A:  You bet.  And in order to keep the intestines working smoothly, here are some factors we have to AVOID:

• food allergies, especially gluten grains and dairy products
• excess dietary fats
• excess refined foods
• laxative overuse
• antibiotic abuse
• excess sugar consumption
• over-indulgence of wine, beer or hard alcohol
  
  

Q:  What do you about the brain-gut connection at SCICN? 

A:  To start with, very straightforward and useful tests. 

Q:  Which tests?

A:  There are several tests that can be recommended to determine the health of the brain-gut connection. When you meet with Dr. Thompson, she’ll recommend the appropriate test for you. It may be a stool test or a neurotransmitter test. Or – it may be a bio feedback energetic test. All these tests can be done with a simple home collection of stool, saliva or urine. 

Q:  What do these tests measure?

A:  Levels of good and harmful bacteria, yeast, parasites and enzymes in the digestive tract, food sensitivities, neurotransmitters like serotonin, and adrenal stress and sex hormones.

Q:  Based on the tests’ results, what happens next?

A:  Each patient is given a unique and effective program of nutritional supplements, coupled with customized creams containing nutrients and plant-based bio-identical hormones. Most patients use customized homeopathic products as well.

Q:  This program improves the functioning of “the second brain” in the gut?

A:  Yes.  It raises the level of functioning, lowers stress, and increases the overall vibrancy of life.  If the intestines aren’t working properly, it’s a giant roadblock to a vital life, in many ways.

Q:  So improved digestive efficiency impacts the brain in a positive way.

A:  Absolutely.  We see that happen in our patients.  It’s very gratifying.     

Jon Rappoport is writing the SCICN newsletters, based on the research of Dr. Laura Thompson. Laura's husband, Jon has had a 25-year career as a health and political reporter. 

From the Desk of Dr. Laura Thompson

The body has 2 brains and they both make neurotransmitters or brain chemicals. This means they are both intimately connected to hormonal production and how the body handles stress. Suddenly the phrases, ‘gut feelings’ and ‘butterflies in my stomach’ make a lot of sense.

And so, as a nutritionist, I also see the logic in healing and supporting the digestive tract, in order to enable efficient communication between the 2 brains. This actually gives us numerous choices and viable pathways for treating depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, migraines, ADHD, and memory problems.

It’s unfortunate that most medical professionals, especially psychiatrists, don’t know about or acknowledge this phenomenon. It is a secret that should be screamed from the mountain tops. If it were, it would create an upheaval in the treatment of mental and emotional diseases never before seen. And the patients would be treating their emotions and mental problems with digestive enzymes, amino acids, probiotics and a wide array of vitamins and minerals, instead of drugs.

This is what we do and it works real well. It may take time – 3 months or even 6 months, but how gratifying to know that you can take action and make incredible changes in your mental and emotional health without using drugs.    

From the Desk of Donna Loftin

Nothing works for the brain-gut connection like homeopathic formulas. This is especially true for someone with digestive problems, inflammation, bloating, gas, acid reflux or bowel irregularities. These symptoms interfere with how the gut makes the neurotransmitters.   

Once a person has had Bio Feedback Energetic testing, specific remedies that “tone”, “drain”, or support the cells are chosen. These encourage the delicate manufacture of the brain chemicals in the GI tract by enhancing absorption at the cellular level, as well as the bloodstream. And these formulas can be customized, in person or long distance, with a simple saliva sample. The customization keys the product to work specifically for you, with your unique composition.   

Custom remedies are appropriate for all ages and easy to administer to children. They are an integral part of your food and nutritional supplement program. And, best of all, they expedite the healing process.

Dr. Laura Thompson, Family Nutritionist and Naturopathic Endocrinologist has a nationwide practice by phone, and locally in Carlsbad, California. For further information about her services, call 800-608-5602.