KEYS TO UNLOCK GUT-BRAIN HEALTH
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
Given the gut-brain connection, it seems wise to explore what issues with the brain and the gut have in common.
In the gut, or digestive tract there are many cells that make up the lining of the stomach and intestinal wall. The lining of the small intestine contains millions of small villi or hairlike structures. Within the villi are lymphatic capillaries that absorb nutrients, assist with the breakdown of dietary fats, and help with the removal of waste products or toxins. Bile from the liver assists with the process, as do enzymes.
In the brain, there are many cells called neurons. Neurons in the brain and central nervous system help the body sense stimuli, take action with motor movements or responses, and transfer electrical signals throughout the body. The lymphatic system of the brain is called the glymphatic system. It plays a similar role as the gut’s lymphatic system. The glymphatic system assists the body in clearing out waste products, toxins, and excess fluid.
Although the brain’s glymphatic system and the body’s lymphatic system are referred to as separate systems, there is no border. These systems work in harmony as one cohesive system, serving the body in removing metabolic waste products and absorbing nutrients. When we think about it, the removal of waste products and the absorption of nutrients are the most basic and ongoing functions the body has to maintain optimal function, and they literally affect every aspect of the body.
Other vital commonalities between the gut and the brain:
1. Both are sensitive to toxins.
2. Both systems make use of fluids to support the uptake of nutrients and the removal of waste products.
3. Both systems rely on healthy bile flow and production to function properly.
4. A congested lymphatic system can lead to pain or discomfort; and similarly, a congested glymphatic system can lead to head pain and discomfort.
5. Enzymes play a key role in metabolic processes within the brain and the gut in basically the same manner.
6. Healthy fats and proteins are vital to a healthy gut and brain.
7. Toxins, parasites, and bacterial overgrowth can negatively impact the function of the gut and the brain.
Why is all of this important?
It shows us the interconnectedness of the entire body. No system, organ, or area of the body operates on its own. When toxins enter the body they can harm the cells in the gut and the brain, and they can also be impacting other organs such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid, spleen, and pancreas.
If we had more time, we could explore how each of the organs I just mentioned plays a role in metabolism and work in connection with the other organs. No organ operates in isolation. Knowing this helps us see that if our thyroid is struggling, the source of the problem may not be the thyroid. There is more T4 converted to T3 in the liver than there is in the thyroid. T4 and T3 are thyroid hormones that are often monitored to determine the function of the thyroid. If the liver is functioning more optimally, it could better support the thyroid.
Within the brain, the pituitary gland and hypothalamus assist in sending neuronal signals to the thyroid for the release or regulation of thyroid hormones. If either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland is being hindered by toxins, the thyroid may not function optimally. Again, it may not only be an issue with the thyroid. The problem may stem from or involve the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus of the brain. Perhaps more likely, the liver and the pituitary gland may both need support with targeted supplements that help the body get rid of the toxins impacting them, so that they can better support the thyroid. The goal is to clear toxins out of the body so that the organs can begin to reclaim their function without the use of ongoing supplements or support.
Everything within the body is interconnected. Every organ, area, and tissue is working jointly with all of the others. Knowing this shapes the approach I use to support people in their journey to greater wellness.
Here is how I see it.
If we learn from labs or suspect that our thyroid is struggling, doesn’t it make sense to explore the big picture so we can see the root causes impacting not only the thyroid, but also the organs of the body that support and work with the thyroid? Are there toxins impacting the liver that could be affecting the thyroid and the pituitary gland in the brain? If we were able to support more optimal function of the liver by assisting the body to remove chemicals, parasites, bacteria, toxic metals, etc., might that allow the thyroid to perform better? The answer is quite certainly, “Yes.”
This type of approach can be applied to many different scenarios. If we are feeling sluggish and tired all the time, perhaps it’s an adrenal issue, a thyroid issue, a hormonal imbalance, or maybe even a heart issue. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that my heart issues were likely overlooked for years. More than likely it was a combination of issues that was causing me to struggle.
Many years ago, I was diagnosed with a slightly low functioning thyroid and low vitamin D levels. A low dose of medication made it worse, so I stopped that straightaway! Then later I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. It got so bad that I was even placed on bed rest. A few years later, I found out that my heart was affected by multiple murmurs. If the valves in your heart aren’t opening and closing as they should, you can feel very tired and dizzy upon standing. It seemed that I had underlying heart issues that were never suspected because all the focus was placed on my thyroid, and then on my adrenals.
It was a wholistic approach to helping my body’s detoxification system that began to get my health back on track. This approach didn’t hyper-focus on one issue such as my low functioning thyroid or my heart. My entire body was supported to safely to remove toxins that were impairing it. My low functioning thyroid, low vitamin D levels, adrenal fatigue/exhaustion, and heart issues were all just symptoms of a number of systemic struggles that my body was having.
The lessons I learned from this:
1. The body needs to be supported as a whole. (No organ operates in isolation without the support of other organs and systems.)
2. Whenever there is a thyroid issue, there are likely toxins that are affecting the thyroid’s function as well as other organs of the body.
3. Whenever there is a heart issue, other organs may be affected as well.
4. People may have hidden or undiscovered heart issues that masquerade as adrenal fatigue or a low functioning thyroid.
5. It is possible that low vitamin D levels may be the result of toxins impairing the body’s ability to produce vitamin D.
6. Nearly all health issues can see improvement when the body’s detoxification system is supported.
7. Be careful of over-focusing on just one issue. All the systems of the body interact and support one another.
8. It is possible to achieve greater wellness regardless of an accurate or inaccurate diagnosis. (I am living proof of this.)
9. Wholistic detox programs can help the body reclaim its ability to produce the energy needed to support all the organs and systems of the body.
10. The body is always trying to absorb nutrients and remove toxins. If we want to have a better functioning body, we need to support these processes in a way that aligns with how the body works and was created to work.
11. Parasites, toxic metals, chemicals, and bacteria can infect nearly any and every organ or area of the body. By removing these unwanted guests, the body can begin to resolve its health issues. (We are fearfully and wonderfully made.)
Now, the really humbling and exciting thing is that I not only have personal experience conquering challenging issues impacting my brain, thyroid, adrenals, and heart - I also have training and experience to help people with these issues too. Other people don’t have to struggle and suffer for years like I did. They can find the help they need to wholistically support their system so that they can enjoy greater energy, clearer thinking, and better nutrient absorption.
We are just starting a new year. If you are worried about what your future looks like because of ongoing health issues, maybe it’s time to think outside the box. Maybe it’s time to support your whole body, and not just focus on one organ, such as your thyroid.
May 2025 be a year full of joy and greater wellness that will propel you into doing the awesome things God has planned for you! Be resolute when it comes to your improving wellness. People are counting on you!
Blessings,
--Anita