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More Gut Brain Axis stuff

Chris Kresser has spoken a bit on the gut brain axis - for example in his podcast here .   There was an article in the Wall Street Journal today that went through these ideas more.  It is fascinating and definitely worth reading:

A Gut Check for Many Ailments

The Body's Other Mind

  • The enteric nervous system, or 'gut brain,' can operate independently of the brain.
  • Neurons in the gut produce neurotransmitters also found in the brain, such as serotonin.
  • Disruptions to beneficial gut bacteria may affect mood.
  • Neurotransmitters made in the gut help control the formation of bone.
  • Stimulating gut neurons may help treat obesity and diabetes.
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Comments

FeelGoodEating said…
Chris

I've been thinking about this since your last post about beneficial bacteria in your "bum"

Do you understand how popular "hygienic" wipes are here stateside.????

These "hygienic " wipes are loaded with chemicals and fragrance....all of which I'm sure do serious damage to the good bacteria.

I've not read much about this yet, but my gut tells me ( no pun intended) we will be hearing about this in the future.

It's another one of good intentions gone bad... And the profit margins are huge. Hygenic wipes are much more expensive than toilet paper .

Marc
January 17, 2012 at 5:19 PM
kyle said…
very, very interesting. I never would have thought of that. While the wipes sanitize the anus: would they have any impact on bacteria in the rectum? I kinda doubt it, but who knows?
January 17, 2012 at 6:26 PM
Chris said…
Great point Marc. I think in general we are using too much "antibacterial" soaps / wipes etc. We need the bugs to be healthy
January 17, 2012 at 11:53 PM
FeelGoodEating said…
Kyle
Next time you're in the store, check out the list of ingredients on the packages of wipes.

The anus does not need sanitizing.

It's been known for years how detrimental female douche products are....yet they are still on the shelves and lots of people use them.

Chris,
This is why kids put everything in their mouths in the crawling/early walking stage of their life. Their are collecting bacteria...and building resistance...you're spot on, we NEED the bugs :-)

Did you receive my email?

Cheers
Marc
January 18, 2012 at 3:32 AM
Anonymous said…
Antibiotics are trashing the GI. Fluroquinolones and Benzodiazepines are causing a variety of serious neuro and osteo side effects.
January 20, 2012 at 3:35 PM
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