Fw: Emailing: Now Magazine - The Brain-Gut Connection - Enhanced by Information & Insights from The Merck Manuals-Vol 2, Issue 2 2006

[Guest guest]



Dearest Friends:

I have been having nightmares, and decided to do a search and found this interesting article. The only problem that I have with this is that the nightmares are usually a signal of an infection/flare. When I go back on antibiotics and antifungel drugs, the nightmares go away and I begin to feel better! This has become a vicious circle for me. My doctor claims that it is an infection and would like to put me on IV antibiotics! What thinks thee?

Sending love....Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````

Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:39 AM

Subject: Emailing: Now Magazine - The Brain-Gut Connection - Enhanced by Information & Insights from The Merck Manuals-Vol 2, Issue 2 2006

The Brain-Gut ConnectionYour brain and gut constantly communicate — but what are they saying to each other?

By A. Drossman, M.D. Co-Director of the University of North Carolina Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders

Have you ever wondered why you might get an upset stomach before an important meeting or an odd feeling in the gut when walking down a dark street?

"The 'brain-gut axis' helps to explain the influence that thoughts, emotions, and psychological or social stress have on the function of the gut."

Stress, anxiety, depression, fear, and virtually any strong emotion can greatly influence the gastrointestinal (GI) system, from "butterflies" in the stomach to bowel problems such as diarrhea or constipation. But did you know that this communication from the brain to the gut is not a one-way street? Indeed, the gut talks back.

The brain and the digestive tract are closely linked. If you have ever had insomnia or nightmares after eating too much or too close to bedtime, then you've just heard from your "second brain."

The reciprocal interaction between the brain and the digestive system, or the "brain-gut axis," helps to explain the influence that thoughts, emotions, and psychological or social stress have on the function of the gut. It also explains why people who have a distressing, long-standing gastrointestinal disorder, such as ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), often become fearful of going to restaurants, socializing with friends, or simply being placed without ready access to a restroom. (See "Foods to Avoid" for more information.)

Explaining the Brain-Gut AxisThe "brain" in the gut is actually a complex network of nerves that allow the stomach, intestines, and other parts of the digestive system to communicate with one another. What are they talking about? The things we take for granted: basic bodily functions, such as digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and excreting waste. This allows the brain between our ears to focus on more mundane things, like remembering your doctor's appointment, where you left the car keys, or an important task at work.

The nervous system in the gut, also known as the enteric nervous system, is quite large. In fact, there are more nerves here than in the entire peripheral nervous system (nerves in the spinal cord). And it is this vast network that allows the body's two brains to communicate so effectively.

Knowing about the Stress FactorExperts have long recognized that there is a powerful connection between the brain and the digestive system. Remarkably, stress and other psychological factors cause the brain to release chemicals or neurotransmitters that stimulate nerves to cause contractions of the intestine, secretion of digestive enzymes, lower pain thresholds, and even inflammation in the bowel, thus affecting many functions of the digestive system. Even susceptibility to infection, which can lead to various gastrointestinal disorders, is strongly influenced by the brain.

For many people, a severe stressful life event, such as a divorce, death in the family, a history of abuse, or even a court appearance, often precedes the onset of IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders. In one study, as many as 66 percent of people with a gastrointestinal disorder experienced these types of stressful life events before their symptoms began, compared to about 25 percent of healthy people. Furthermore, while bacterial infections of the intestine do not ordinarily trigger IBS, some people develop IBS when the infection occurs at the time of psychological stress. This can help explain why some people recover quickly with a bowel infection while others may have symptoms that linger for months or years after such an infection. (See "Living with Digestive Troubles" for more information).

The Gut Speaks BackWhile the brain influences the digestive system, the opposite also is true.

As stressful events can trigger digestive symptoms, so too can gastrointestinal disorders trigger stress, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms.

Symptoms of a long-standing or recurring gastrointestinal disorder can be very intrusive, and can affect a person's daily life. Sadly, many sufferers can become preoccupied with their symptoms and how they might affect their day. As a result, they may find it difficult to concentrate on their normal activities and even suffer headaches, fatigue, and depression. These effects may be thought of as complications of the gastrointestinal disorder. We also know that patients who have ulcers and other inflammation of the bowel, such as with ulcerative colitis, may feel depressed and fatigued when the disease is active. This is because the bowel disease releases chemicals that go to the brain and produce these emotional consequences.

Understanding the Causes of SymptomsAlthough there is a clear connection between psychological and digestive health, people with IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders often don't comprehend a link between psychosocial stress and their GI symptoms.

Most people with these conditions appear healthy. A physical examination by a doctor generally does not reveal anything unusual except perhaps tenderness over the area just below the navel (the large intestine). Yet, because the digestive system and the brain are so highly interactive, a psychological evaluation often can be helpful to a doctor trying to understand the full impact of a stomach or intestinal ailment. In such cases, doctors are not implying that the problem is imagined or made up. Rather, they are trying to get at the root of the patient's digestive symptoms, and whether relieving the psychosocial stress may help relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms or vice versa. All in all, for as many as 50 percent of people with a digestive disorder, psychological factors play an important role.

Determining whether some psychosocial factor, such as a traumatic event, occurred before the beginning of digestive symptoms can affect the type of treatment the person receives. During the exam, the doctor may ask if a person has been particularly concerned about something lately, having difficulty relaxing or sleeping, feeling down, or experiencing low self-esteem. Keeping a daily journal of symptoms to show the doctor may help in assessing what the symptoms are linked to, such as stress, emotions, or diet. This information can be helpful when discussing treatment strategies with a doctor. Because we know that stress can lower pain threshold, and also produce intestinal spasms and other discomforts, treatment of stress can lead to direct improvement in intestinal symptoms.

Taking into consideration the broad scope of the brain-gut connection can help both the doctor and the patient work together to address gastrointestinal symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. People who suffer with gastrointestinal disorders can take heart – with medication, stress-reduction strategies, and coping skills, they can help to minimize their symptoms and regain a normal life.

SITE MAP PRIVACY POLICYTERMS OF USECOPYRIGHT © 1995-2007 MERCK & CO., INC.

[Guest guest]

Dear Lea,

I can sympathize totally. I get nightmares all the

time too. I agree that when the rest of the body has

something going on it effects you.

My Aunt says just as you are falling asleep, be

reading nice, pleasant, happy book. She says then as

you are getting sleepy, turn the light off, and just

concentrate on the book and you'll fall asleep and no

nightmares.

It took a few times but it works really well for me.

Right now I'm reading Chicken Soup for the Horse

Lover's Soul II. I just think about those horses,

galloping across a meadow with their manes and tails

flowing and their freedom gives me peace from the

nightmares.

Love Traci

--- Lea <devans@...> wrote:

> Now Magazine - The Brain-Gut Connection - Enhanced

> by Information & Insights from The Merck Manuals-Vol

> 2, Issue 2 2006Dearest Friends:

>

> I have been having nightmares, and decided to do a

> search and found this interesting article. The only

> problem that I have with this is that the nightmares

> are usually a signal of an infection/flare. When I

> go back on antibiotics and antifungel drugs, the

> nightmares go away and I begin to feel better! This

> has become a vicious circle for me. My doctor claims

> that it is an infection and would like to put me on

> IV antibiotics! What thinks thee?

>

> Sending love....Lea

>

>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`````

>

> Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:39 AM

> Subject: Emailing: Now Magazine - The Brain-Gut

> Connection - Enhanced by Information & Insights from

> The Merck Manuals-Vol 2, Issue 2 2006

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> The Brain-Gut Connection

> Your brain and gut

> constantly communicate — but what are they saying

> to each other?

>

> By A. Drossman,

> M.D.

> Co-Director of the

> University of North Carolina Center for Functional

> GI and Motility Disorders

>

> H

> ave you ever wondered why

> you might get an upset stomach before an important

> meeting or an odd feeling in the gut when walking

> down a dark street?

>

>

> " The 'brain-gut axis' helps to

> explain the influence that thoughts, emotions, and

> psychological or social stress have on the function

> of the gut. "

>

>

>

>

> Stress, anxiety, depression,

> fear, and virtually any strong emotion can greatly

> influence the gastrointestinal (GI) system, from

> " butterflies " in the stomach to bowel problems such

> as diarrhea or constipation. But did you know that

> this communication from the brain to the gut is not

> a one-way street? Indeed, the gut talks back.

>

> The brain and the digestive

> tract are closely linked. If you have ever had

> insomnia or nightmares after eating too much or too

> close to bedtime, then you've just heard from your

> " second brain. "

>

> The reciprocal interaction

> between the brain and the digestive system, or the

> " brain-gut axis, " helps to explain the influence

> that thoughts, emotions, and psychological or social

> stress have on the function of the gut. It also

> explains why people who have a distressing,

> long-standing gastrointestinal disorder, such as

> ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome

> (IBS), often become fearful of going to restaurants,

> socializing with friends, or simply being placed

> without ready access to a restroom. (See " Foods to

> Avoid " for more information.)

>

> Explaining the Brain-Gut Axis

> The " brain " in the gut is

> actually a complex network of nerves that allow the

> stomach, intestines, and other parts of the

> digestive system to communicate with one another.

> What are they talking about? The things we take for

> granted: basic bodily functions, such as digesting

> food, absorbing nutrients, and excreting waste. This

> allows the brain between our ears to focus on more

> mundane things, like remembering your doctor's

> appointment, where you left the car keys, or an

> important task at work.

>

> The nervous system in the gut,

> also known as the enteric nervous system, is quite

> large. In fact, there are more nerves here than in

> the entire peripheral nervous system (nerves in the

> spinal cord). And it is this vast network that

> allows the body's two brains to communicate so

> effectively.

>

> Knowing about the Stress Factor

> Experts have long recognized

> that there is a powerful connection between the

> brain and the digestive system. Remarkably, stress

> and other psychological factors cause the brain to

> release chemicals or neurotransmitters that

> stimulate nerves to cause contractions of the

> intestine, secretion of digestive enzymes, lower

> pain thresholds, and even inflammation in the bowel,

> thus affecting many functions of the digestive

> system. Even susceptibility to infection, which can

> lead to various gastrointestinal disorders, is

> strongly influenced by the brain.

>

> For many people, a severe

> stressful life event, such as a divorce, death in

> the family, a history of abuse, or even a court

> appearance, often precedes the onset of IBS and

> other gastrointestinal disorders. In one study, as

> many as 66 percent of people with a gastrointestinal

> disorder experienced these types of stressful life

> events before their symptoms began, compared to

> about 25 percent of healthy people. Furthermore,

> while bacterial infections of the intestine do not

> ordinarily trigger IBS, some people develop IBS when

> the infection occurs at the time of psychological

> stress. This can help explain why some people

> recover quickly with a bowel infection while others

> may have symptoms that linger for months or years

> after such an infection. (See " Living with Digestive

> Troubles " for more information).

>

> The Gut Speaks Back

> While the brain influences the

> digestive system, the opposite also is true.

>

> As stressful events can trigger

> digestive symptoms, so too can gastrointestinal

> disorders trigger stress, anxiety, and other

> psychological symptoms.

>

> Symptoms of a long-standing or

> recurring gastrointestinal disorder can be very

> intrusive, and can affect a person's daily life.

> Sadly, many sufferers can become preoccupied with

> their symptoms and how they might affect their day.

> As a result, they may find it difficult to

> concentrate on their normal activities and even

> suffer headaches, fatigue, and depression. These

> effects may be thought of as complications of the

> gastrointestinal disorder. We also know that

> patients who have ulcers and other inflammation of

> the bowel, such as with ulcerative colitis, may feel

> depressed and fatigued when the disease is active.

> This is because the bowel disease releases chemicals

> that go to the brain and produce these emotional

> consequences.

>

> Understanding the Causes of

> Symptoms

> Although there is a clear

> connection between psychological and digestive

> health, people with IBS and other gastrointestinal

> disorders often don't comprehend a link between

> psychosocial stress and their GI symptoms.

>

> Most people with these

> conditions appear healthy. A physical examination by

> a doctor generally does not reveal anything unusual

> except perhaps tenderness over the area just below

> the navel (the large intestine). Yet, because the

> digestive system and the brain are so highly

> interactive, a psychological evaluation often can be

> helpful to a doctor trying to understand the full

> impact of a stomach or intestinal ailment. In such

> cases, doctors are not implying that the problem is

> imagined or made up. Rather, they are trying to get

> at the root of the patient's digestive symptoms, and

> whether relieving the psychosocial stress may help

> relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms or vice versa.

> All in all, for as many as 50 percent of people with

> a digestive disorder, psychological factors play an

> important role.

>

> Determining whether some

> psychosocial factor, such as a traumatic event,

> occurred before the beginning of digestive symptoms

> can affect the type of treatment the person

> receives. During the exam, the doctor may ask if a

> person has been particularly concerned about

> something

=== message truncated ===

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

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[Guest guest]

Thank you, sweet Traci:

I hope that you are feeling better. Please take time to heal, and try to stay away from stress. Stress has been--and always will be--a problem for me because we have too much going on in our lives. My works full time from home for the university, and it is stressful for me. He is getting better, but he had become a bit more toxic than usual lately, and that caused me to tell him how much it was hurting me. Things are getting better, however, as each day he reprograms his brain to be more nurturing.

My son-in-law has just lost one of his beautiful horses. He has had these two Belgians for about 25 years. The other horse is missing his partner, and this is so heartbreaking for all of us. He built a sleigh, and they used to go to his mother's home (she died one year ago) down the road all the time. They have a big ranch where they raise organic grass-fed beef. Life can be so very sad at times, and sometimes I wonder--for a moment only--if all that we do is really worth it. Sorry that I went on about the bad times...I really think that the best is yet to be for all of us.

Sending love to you.......Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Emailing: Now Magazine - The Brain-Gut> Connection - Enhanced by Information & Insights from> The Merck Manuals-Vol 2, Issue 2 2006> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The Brain-Gut Connection> Your brain and gut> constantly communicate — but what are they saying> to each other? > > By A. Drossman,> M.D. > Co-Director of the> University of North Carolina Center for Functional> GI and Motility Disorders> > H> ave you ever wondered why> you might get an upset stomach before an important> meeting or an odd feeling in the gut when walking> down a dark street?> > > "The 'brain-gut axis' helps to> explain the influence that thoughts, emotions, and> psychological or social stress have on the function> of the gut."> > > > > Stress, anxiety, depression,> fear, and virtually any strong emotion can greatly> influence the gastrointestinal (GI) system, from> "butterflies" in the stomach to bowel problems such> as diarrhea or constipation. But did you know that> this communication from the brain to the gut is not> a one-way street? Indeed, the gut talks back.> > The brain and the digestive> tract are closely linked. If you have ever had> insomnia or nightmares after eating too much or too> close to bedtime, then you've just heard from your> "second brain."> > The reciprocal interaction> between the brain and the digestive system, or the> "brain-gut axis," helps to explain the influence> that thoughts, emotions, and psychological or social> stress have on the function of the gut. It also> explains why people who have a distressing,> long-standing gastrointestinal disorder, such as> ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome> (IBS), often become fearful of going to restaurants,> socializing with friends, or simply being placed> without ready access to a restroom. (See "Foods to> Avoid" for more information.)> > Explaining the Brain-Gut Axis> The "brain" in the gut is> actually a complex network of nerves that allow the> stomach, intestines, and other parts of the> digestive system to communicate with one another.> What are they talking about? The things we take for> granted: basic bodily functions, such as digesting> food, absorbing nutrients, and excreting waste. This> allows the brain between our ears to focus on more> mundane things, like remembering your doctor's> appointment, where you left the car keys, or an> important task at work.> > The nervous system in the gut,> also known as the enteric nervous system, is quite> large. In fact, there are more nerves here than in> the entire peripheral nervous system (nerves in the> spinal cord). And it is this vast network that> allows the body's two brains to communicate so> effectively.> > Knowing about the Stress Factor> Experts have long recognized> that there is a powerful connection between the> brain and the digestive system. Remarkably, stress> and other psychological factors cause the brain to> release chemicals or neurotransmitters that> stimulate nerves to cause contractions of the> intestine, secretion of digestive enzymes, lower> pain thresholds, and even inflammation in the bowel,> thus affecting many functions of the digestive> system. Even susceptibility to infection, which can> lead to various gastrointestinal disorders, is> strongly influenced by the brain.> > For many people, a severe> stressful life event, such as a divorce, death in> the family, a history of abuse, or even a court> appearance, often precedes the onset of IBS and> other gastrointestinal disorders. In one study, as> many as 66 percent of people with a gastrointestinal> disorder experienced these types of stressful life> events before their symptoms began, compared to> about 25 percent of healthy people. Furthermore,> while bacterial infections of the intestine do not> ordinarily trigger IBS, some people develop IBS when> the infection occurs at the time of psychological> stress. This can help explain why some people> recover quickly with a bowel infection while others> may have symptoms that linger for months or years> after such an infection. (See "Living with Digestive> Troubles" for more information).> > The Gut Speaks Back> While the brain influences the> digestive system, the opposite also is true.> > As stressful events can trigger> digestive symptoms, so too can gastrointestinal> disorders trigger stress, anxiety, and other> psychological symptoms.> > Symptoms of a long-standing or> recurring gastrointestinal disorder can be very> intrusive, and can affect a person's daily life.> Sadly, many sufferers can become preoccupied with> their symptoms and how they might affect their day.> As a result, they may find it difficult to> concentrate on their normal activities and even> suffer headaches, fatigue, and depression. These> effects may be thought of as complications of the> gastrointestinal disorder. We also know that> patients who have ulcers and other inflammation of> the bowel, such as with ulcerative colitis, may feel> depressed and fatigued when the disease is active.> This is because the bowel disease releases chemicals> that go to the brain and produce these emotional> consequences.> > Understanding the Causes of> Symptoms> Although there is a clear> connection between psychological and digestive> health, people with IBS and other gastrointestinal> disorders often don't comprehend a link between> psychosocial stress and their GI symptoms.> > Most people with these> conditions appear healthy. A physical examination by> a doctor generally does not reveal anything unusual> except perhaps tenderness over the area just below> the navel (the large intestine). Yet, because the> digestive system and the brain are so highly> interactive, a psychological evaluation often can be> helpful to a doctor trying to understand the full> impact of a stomach or intestinal ailment. In such> cases, doctors are not implying that the problem is> imagined or made up. Rather, they are trying to get> at the root of the patient's digestive symptoms, and> whether relieving the psychosocial stress may help> relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms or vice versa.> All in all, for as many as 50 percent of people with> a digestive disorder, psychological factors play an> important role.> > Determining whether some> psychosocial factor, such as a traumatic event,> occurred before the beginning of digestive symptoms> can affect the type of treatment the person> receives. During the exam, the doctor may ask if a> person has been particularly concerned about> something === message truncated ===__________________________________________________________Cheap talk?Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.http://voice.