The gut-brain connection: the gut mucosa, and neurological disorders – Naturopathy naturopathy specialist portal
Connection between the Mucus in the intestine, and neurological disorders
The composition of the intestinal bacteria and their effects on our health are in recent years moved increasingly into the focus of research. Rather, the health effects of the Mucus in the intestine (intestinal mucosa) have been neglected. A recent review shows what is already on the intestinal mucosa, and possible correlations with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or MS (Multiple sclerosis) is known.
“The Mucus is the first line of defense against bad bacteria in our intestines”, according to the research team at the Australian RMIT University. Here the question of whether the intestinal mucosa is also used in the defence of neurological diseases. In a comprehensive overview of the work the researchers have, therefore, the current knowledge on the health effects of the intestinal mucus, and possible Correlations with neurological diseases collected. Published the results in the journal “Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology”.
Intestinal bacteria and neurological disorders
In previous study, there is already a connection between a bacterial was identified imbalance in the gut and diseases like Alzheimer’s and autism, but the exact causes remain unclear, according to the research team. The evaluation of 113 neurological and microbiological studies indicate a common red thread – changes in the intestinal mucosa.
Mucus is the “red thread”
“Mucus is a critical layer of protection that helps, good and bad bacteria in your gut, but you need just the right amount – not too little and not too much,” explains the lead author, Associate Professor Elisa Hill-Yardin ovn RMIT University. The observed changes of the intestinal mucus can contribute, according to the researchers, to a bacterial imbalance and the core symptoms of neurological diseases worsen.
Connection between the intestinal mucosa and the brain
Earlier research showed that “changes in the intestinal mucus, affect the balance of bacteria in the gut, but until now no one has made the connection between the intestinal mucosa and the brain,” said the research team would have to work. The Review had shown that people with autism, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple sclerosis compared to healthy people different types of bacteria in the intestinal mucosa and different amounts of good and bad bacteria.
Mucus varies sections in different parts of the Bowel
Basically, the intestinal mucus is different, depending on where it is to be found in the gastro-intestinal tract, explains the research team. So the Mucus is in the small intestine more permeable, so that nutrients from food can be easily absorbed, while in the colon, the mucus is thick liquid and bacteria impervious should be. In addition, the mucus is full of peptides that kill bacteria is mainly in the small intestine. At the same time he could also serve as a source of energy and some of the bacteria feed, the life in him.
New approach for therapies
The study analysis suggested that a reduced intestinal mucus protection of people with neurological diseases, making them more prone to gastro-intestinal problems and severity of intestinal disorders can aggravate the symptoms of neurological disorders. “If we understand the role of the intestinal mucus plays in brain diseases, we can try to develop treatments that make exactly this part of the gut-brain axis usable”, stresses Prof. Hill-Yardin.
“Our work shows that the microbial technology and the influence of intestinal mucus to promote good bacteria to be used as therapeutic options for neurological disorders in question,” says the lead author. Here it seems imperative that the Mucus in future studies under a therapeutic point of view to devote more attention to it. (fp)