In a recent medical journal titled “Traumatic brain injury and intestinal dysfunction: uncovering the neuro-enteric axis”, research reveals that when a brain injury occurs, injury to the digestive process occurs as well.
This is fantastic research showing that injury to the brain, per concussions or an assault can lead to intestinal permeability, or what’s well known as ‘leaky gut’. The small and large intestine lining which is no thicker than 1cm (or the thickness of a cheesecloth) is intended to keep nutrients in and toxins out. The lining contains ribs and tight junctions. These tight junctions can be vulnerable to opening as a result of infections, gluten, heavy metals and now brain injury.
When tight junctions are exposed, or the gut becomes ‘leaky’, toxins can leak into the bloodstream, cytokines create inflammation throughout the body, resulting in systemic dysfunctions. In addition, the leakiness of the lining increases the vulnerability of added infections.
This is an important discovery because it identifies that even though the brain and/or the central nervous system may be exhibiting neurological problems, a digestive problem exists as well. This means that symptoms that may occur may be equally a brain problem and a gut problem. If a concussion or head injury has occurred it would be prudent for practitioners to assess the integrity of the digestive system.
Bringing much light,
Lynn
