Acupuncture Provides Relief for IBS and Other Digestive Issues – How this connects to Mental Health
There is a lot of news lately about the importance of healthy gut flora for not only digestive health, but overall health and well-being. Health gut flora is now being researched as being connected with the immune system and even mental health. The gut is sometimes referred to as the “2nd brain”, because a large percentage of our mood influencing chemicals (e.g. Serotonin) are synthesized in the gut. In addition, if we aren’t absorbing nutrients properly because of compromised gut lining, it can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, brain fog, cognitive issues, allergies and a whole host of other problems.
Many health conditions can be traced back to the state of the digestive system. More and more research is coming out about this issue.
Gut problems are common in our society for a number of reasons. Healthy flora in the gut is sensitive to bad diet, stress and toxins. Many of our modern day habits are killing off the good bacteria in our gut that keeps us healthy, and allowing the bad bacteria to flourish- making us sick over time. These habits include – diet high in refined carbs, sugar, chlorinated water, stress (hormones released when we are under chronic stress), certain pharmaceuticals, including synthetic hormones, certain anti-depressants, and the most problematic is probably antibiotics which directly kills off good bacteria. When good bacteria are scarce in the body, it allows the bad bacteria to overgrow. This leads to digestive trouble such as constipation, diarrhea, acid-reflux, and can also lead to fatigue and other cognitive issues. Over time, it is now thought to be connected possibly to other chronic diseases and inflammation.
Many people suffering from chronic symptoms such as digestive issues, headaches, migraines, hormone imbalances, immune system issues, allergies, and auto-immune disorders could benefit from a gut repair protocol. While this can take some time, it is well worth it to get to the root of the problem.
Acupuncture can play a big role in a gut repair protocol as it can help to reduce the body’s stress response, help to heal the gut, optimize the immune system and help to control appetite and sugar cravings (if that is an obstacle). Other steps to the protocol include re-establishing healthy gut flora through diet and supplementation, as well as cutting out certain problematic foods that may be triggering an allergic response in the body. A naturopath or holistic practitioner who is trained in these protocols can help guide you on your path to healing your gut and your body.
