GUT/DIGESTIVE ISSUES, IBS, & THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The human digestive system is a complex and sensitive system that is constantly interacting with the nervous system. When these interactions are not working properly, it can lead to digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The digestive system is made up of many different organs, all of which need to work together in order to digest food properly. The stomach and intestines are lined with a layer of muscle that contracts and relaxes to move food through the digestive system. This process is controlled by the nervous system, which sends signals to the muscles to tell them when to contract and when to relax.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of nerves that runs through the digestive system. It is responsible for controlling the muscles of the digestive system and for sending signals to the brain about what is happening in the digestive system.

If the nervous system is dysregulated and not working properly, the muscles in the digestive system contract too much or too little, altering the pace and effectiveness of digestion and often causing pain, bloating and other symptoms.

IBS is a chronic condition that often stems from and is amplified by a dysregulated nervous system. It's estimated that IBS affects between 10-15% of the population. There are many different treatments for IBS, and many aim to reduce the symptoms by regulating the nervous system.

The gut microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in the digestive system. These bacteria are important for many aspects of health, including digestion, immunity and brain function. The gut microbiome is affected by the nervous system, and a dysregulated nervous system can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can further contribute to digestive problems.

Nervous system dysregulation is often the source of many different digestive problems (such as IBS) by affecting the muscles of the digestive system and the gut microbiome. By approaching this problem at the source, many of these digestive issues can be resolved in an efficient and non-invasive way.