Leaky gut... leaky brain

The brain and gut are linked by our central nervous system (CNS) which polices the molecules in our blood stream and allows certain permitted substances (such as oxygen, hormones and specific chemical messengers) to enter the brain. It also prohibits unwanted and potentially damaging particles from crossing the brain barrier - including viruses, toxins and damaging chemicals.

The aptly named Blood Brain Barrier is formed of a single layer of cells.  The integrity of this layer can be disrupted by various influences including:
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Obesity:


Stress:

High blood sugar & diabetes:  


Poor Sleep: 

Bacterial Infection: 

Homocysteine: 


Inflammation:

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Obesity increases inflammation in the body and that inflammation can disrupt the barrier.

Stress increases inflammatory effects that disrupt the barrier.
            
Hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia both are associated with   
altered barrier integrity.
   
Chronic sleep loss affects the barrier function.
   
This can result in the breakdown of the barrier.

High blood levels of homocysteine are a risk factor for heart disease, but also increase the ‘leakiness’ of the barrier.

Inflammatory conditions (for example autoimmune conditions, allergies, asthma, Inflammatory bowel disease) can increase C - reactive protein (CRP) which affects the structure of the barrier.
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Signs & symptoms of leaky brain?
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• Poor concentration - has your performance at work changed?
• Changes in memory - do you forget where you left your keys or where you parked the car?
• Inability to multitask or are you experiencing brain fog?
• Has your sense of smell altered?
• Has your balance deteriorated?
• Do you have a history of head trauma from sport or concussions?
• Do you have a history of digestive symptoms - Irritable bowel syndrome, poor digestion, gut infections?
• Have you developed food allergies or sensitivities?

For information about how you can support your gut and your brain see my next blog post... How to support the brain barrier.