The Gut-Brain Axis
In recent years, the interconnection between the gut and the brain has emerged as a fascinating area of scientific inquiry. The gut-brain axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system between two vital organs, influencing not only digestive health but also mental well-being. While the understanding of this axis continues to evolve, one intriguing aspect is the role chiropractic care can play in improving its function. In this blog, we delve into the nuances of the gut-brain axis and explore how chiropractic interventions can contribute to its optimisation.
Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis:
The gut-brain axis is a communication network comprising various elements, including the central nervous system (CNS), the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system, and the immune system. These components interact dynamically, sending signals back and forth via neural pathways, hormones, and immune mediators.
- Neurotransmitter Production: one of the key mechanisms in the gut-brain axis involves the production of neurotransmitters. The gut is home to a vast array of neurons that produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter due to its role in regulating mood. In fact, a significant portion of serotonin in the body is synthesised in the gut.
- Microbiota Influence: the gut microbiota, consisting of trillions of micro-organisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract, also play a pivotal role in gut-brain communication. These microbes produce metabolites and neurotransmitters that can influence brain function and behaviour. Furthermore, they modulate the immune response, which has implications for neurological health.
- Immune System: Immune cells in the gut participate in bidirectional communication with the brain, influencing neuro-inflammation and neuro-immune responses. Dysregulation of the immune system in the gut can lead to systemic inflammation and contribute to neurological disorders.
Chiropractic Care and Gut-Brain Axis:
Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the optimising the function of the nervous system, particularly the spine, with the aim of enhancing nervous system function. While often associated with pain relief and spinal alignment, chiropractic interventions can have broader effects on neurological health, including aspects related to the gut-brain axis.
- Spinal alignment and nervous system function: misalignments or subluxations in the spine can interfere with nerve function, potentially disrupting communication along the gut-brain axis. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, restoring proper nerve flow and optimising neural signalling between the gut and the brain.
- Stress reduction: chronic stress can negatively impact both gut health and brain function, contributing to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and anxiety. Chiropractic care can help alleviate stress by reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and modulating the body’s stress response.
- Enhancement of autonomic function: the autonomic nervous system (ANS), comprising of the sympathetic and parasympathetic, plays a crucial role in regulating gastrointestinal function. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to influence ANS activity, potentially improving gut motility and digestive processes.
The gut-brain axis represents a complex interplay between the digestive system and the central nervous system, with far-reaching implications for health and well-being. While our understanding of this intricate relationship continues to evolve, evidence suggests that chiropractic care may offer benefits in optimising gut-brain communication. By addressing subluxations, reducing stress, and enhancing autonomic function, chiropractic interventions hold promise as a holistic approach to supporting overall health and promoting harmony within the gut-brain axis.
By Amy Champion, DC
Additional Resources:-
- Mayer, E. A., Tillisch, K., & Gupta, A. (2015). Gut/brain axis and the microbiota. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 125(3), 926–938
- Vazquez, E., & Dubois, L. W. (2021). The Gut-Brain Axis: The Role of Microbiota and Diet on Brain Function and Disorders. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(15),7633.
- Haavik H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768–776
- Bokhari, S. M., Khan, S. A., & Bin Ayaz, S. (2020). The Impact of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy on Stress and Hypertension: A Narrative Review and Exploratory Study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 19(1), 64–73.
- Zhang, J., Zhu, Y., Fan, Y., Zhang, X., & Ge, L. (2020). Effects of chiropractic care on the cervical spine and its impact on the autonomic nervous system: A narrative review and exploratory analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 19(1), 29–35