Neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases in relation to the gut microbiota: ongoing research opens up perspectives for treatment and prevention
In the article ” Microbiota: our intestines “think” with 200 million neurons “, we put into perspective the studies demonstrating the importance of our intestinal flora, our second brain. It has been proven that our intestinal microbiota can influence our health, well-being and even our emotions and behavior.
The intestinal microbiome is a major risk factor for neurological diseases – we now have the proof! The microbiome is the subject of a growing number of studies and clinical investigations.
The gut microbiome is directly linked to the central nervous system via a major communication axis, the “brain-gut axis”. In recent years, researchers have been studying the way our two brains communicate. They are studying what they have termed the Brain-Gut Axis as a remarkable and essential communication pathway between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. This axis is embodied by the vagus nerve. Researchers know that it has connections with many of our physiological systems: endocrine, neurological, immune… Studies are underway to better understand this essential communication axis and its implications in neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases (see references). Fields of study include :
- – heart attacks,
- – migraines
- – depression,
- – autistic disorders,
- – schizophrenia,
- – neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and sclerosis.
Based on these studies, researchers are trying to understand the connections and interactions between psychology and neurology of diseases. They are aided by new neuroscience research technologies and techniques: biological, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, as well as artificial intelligence. Knowledge in this field is set to evolve over the next few years, giving us hope of developing new treatments for neuropsychiatric or neurological diseases, and perhaps even proposing preventive solutions.
Alzheimer’s disease could be transmitted by… our intestinal bacteria?
According to data from 2023, Alzheimer’s disease affects one in nine people over the age of 65 worldwide, and there is still no cure. The accumulation of a protein, beta-amyloid, in the nerve cells of the brain is thought to be responsible for the disease. For several years now, attempts to treat the disease have been studied and tested. To date, however, the disease continues to progress. This treatment approach may not be the one that will provide solutions! But new hope is emerging, thanks to the findings of a team of researchers at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, who are proposing a new approach to treating the disease. The research team transferred feces from Alzheimer’s patients to rats. They noticed that nerve growth in the rat hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory, cognition and mood, was altered. The UCC team also noted that the more severe the donor’s disease, the greater the cognitive loss in the rats. While the risk of dementia increases with age, it seems clear that a healthy gut microbiota could limit the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The health of the intestinal microbiota depends essentially on our lifestyle, starting with our diet. The consumption of processed industrial products, which has increased considerably in recent years, could partly explain the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that seaweed can combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Taking care of your intestine is essential for good health
We can’t stress this enough: our intestine is the source of our health and vitality! We must take care of it! And when we talk about the intestine, we’re talking about the entire gastrointestinal tract. It begins with the entry of food and ends with the elimination of faeces. Its mission is essential: to absorb food, digest it, distribute nutrients and eliminate waste. A healthy intestine means that :
- – We have one or two bowel movements a day
- – Our stools are dark in color and easy to pass
Chronic symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, food sensitivities, sensitivities to external factors, haemorrhoids and abdominal symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal pain should be a cause for concern. If these symptoms do not improve as a result of corrective measures in terms of diet and lifestyle in general, you should speak to your doctor. A healthy gastrointestinal system reduces the risk of skin disorders, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory reactions and other health problems.
Our diet must be high in fiber, and therefore rich in vegetables. We need to reduce the use of ultra-processed foods, which today account for almost 60% of our diet. Fiber, which supports bacteria beneficial to our intestines, is often eliminated during food processing. Reintroducing fiber into our diet could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Daily physical activity. A little daily physical activity, such as walking, is highly beneficial to the health of our intestines. It could also ward off these risks. Your intestine deserves all your attention and care!
Chlorella stimulates gastrointestinal functions
Chlorella has been shown to rebalance intestinal functions. It was the Japanese who first discovered the virtues of chlorella. They began by giving it to hospital patients suffering from chronic constipation due, in particular, to their bedridden position. They soon realized that chlorella not only solved constipation problems, but also promoted healing. Chlorella’s effects on the gastrointestinal system and its ability to stimulate immunity were the first two qualities recognized by the Japanese. A large number of studies have been carried out on chlorella. They have been the subject of several thousand scientific and medical publications. The third quality of chlorella to be studied and documented is its effectiveness in eliminating pollutants such as heavy metals.
Cleanse and maintain your intestinal microbiota
Chlorella is an invaluable ally in cleansing and rebalancing the intestinal microbiota. The effects of taking chlorella are almost immediate. However, a few precautions should be taken before taking chlorella. Our emunctories, particularly the liver, need to be able to process and eliminate the pollutants they pick up (heavy metals and chemical residues): see the article on “Taking chlorella for the first time”.) Ongoing studies on the “gut-brain” axis further underline the importance of diet for our quality of life. The quality of our intestinal microbiota is essential! Cleansing and rebalancing the intestinal microbiota is essential to regaining and maintaining good health. Over 80% of new chlorella consumers agree that the first effects are felt on gastrointestinal function: better digestion and elimination. See article ” boost your microbiota “.