Using Bacteria To Program Your Brain

Researchers have found that the bugs in your gut can influence your brain’s responses. Working with germ-free rodents, they discovered the animals’ behavior changed when certain germs were introduced into their gut through their diet. Intrigued, other universities tested the effect of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) on people’s mood and found that the gut bacteria consumed by participants actually changed their mood. This was verified by brain scans, blood and urine tests for chemicals produced by the body that influenced mood and physiological responses.

Considering that microorganisms in our gut outnumber cells in our body ten to one, it is not surprising that the chemicals that they produced could travel to our brain and alter our brain function. In fact, our Central Nervous System (CNS) only produces five percent of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, memory, learning, digestion, sleep and sexual desire activities. The remainder 95 percent is manufactured by gut bacteria. Communication and sharing of chemicals go both ways between our brain and microbes. The result is reflected through mood and behavior.

Besides brain chemistry, this invisible army of workers in our gut also influences inflammation and pain perception, the body responds to stress, modulates our immune system and even help ‘program’ some aspects of brain development through influencing neural development.

Bacteria-Brain Communication

While harmful bacteria (pathogens) can jack up anxiety and depression, the good bacteria (probiotics) calms you down and lift your mood. This is because bacteria in our gut and our brain are constantly sending messages to each other through a number of channels.

1. Our IMMUNE CELLS are like the police force, constantly patrolling our body for break-ins, invasion and attack by pathogens and foreign substances. This police force and the chemicals they synthesize are used as messengers.

2. Sometimes gut bacteria use the vagus nerve to communicate with the brain. Researchers in Ireland fed Lactobacillus to mice that resulted in behavior change. When they cut the vagus nerve (the neural conduit between gut and brain) in mice, the effect that Lactobacillus exerted earlier on brain biochemistry, stress response and behavior evaporated.

3. The third method of communication is through neurochemical. Gut bacteria and brain produce and respond to the same neurochemicals (neurotransmitters).

A joint Duh-British Pediatric Research published in Nature pointed out, “Accumulating evidence has suggested the importance of the gut microbiome in this bidirectional communication system and as a result, the concept of the microbiome-gut-brain axis has emerged.” [Manon J. N. L. Benders]

Research into this exciting new field is still preliminary. Scientists still have to ascertain which bacterial strains are absolutely vital to mental functioning, or whether a combination of bacteria in the right balance is needed to influence mental functioning.

Bacteria-Brain Communication

FUNCTION OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS

GABA

Our brain, certain bacteria and fungi produce GABA.

It is a neurotransmitter that mutes neuronal activity, keeping stress, anxiety and depression in check. GABA also regulates the growth of embryonic and neural stem cells as well as influences the development of neural progenitor cells.

Scientists found that GABA deficiency in certain parts of the brain can trigger epilepsy.

This neurotransmitter plays a role in regulating pain and inhibits inflammation. Recent studies revealed that immune cells called macrophages also possess GABA receptors enabling microbes to ‘talk’ to them. Preliminary studies using Bifidobacterium dentium suggested bacteria may be able to reduce inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, which is an immune response from our body’s police force.

The bacteria, Lactobacillus, has been shown to increase GABA Receptors and change emotional behavior. Prof John F Cryan pointed out, “bacteria play around with the same brain chemicals in the brain that antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs do.” next time you feel depressed, eat a cup of yogurt – it is full of Lactobacillus.

Acetylcholine

Egg yolk is a very good source of choline, a nutrient needed to synthesize acetylcholine. It is also rich in an essential amino acid called ‘tryptophan’, which is metabolized into the neurotransmitter, serotonin.

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This ancient essential molecule is found in most of the cells in our body. It was around when the first single celled living organism appeared on earth and is used for fundamental cellular development and function. It is involved in secretion, absorption of nutrients, metabolism, membrane development and regulation of immune response. Acetylcholine (ACh) is needed for many vital functions, both non-neuronal and neuronal. Your mind will slow down if you are low on ach. Your body cannot function without ach to enable proper functioning of your cells.

Acetylcholine (Ach) disruption is a primary cause of depression. Damage to the Ach system cause memory problems. Researchers found 90% loss of acetylcholine in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer's, which is a major cause of senility.

Ach is involved in REM (dream) sleep, which is the restorative part of the sleep cycle when the brain is more active.

It is responsible for much of stimulation of muscle including muscles in the gut, heart and lungs. Without Ach, your heart will stop beating, you cannot breathe. Lethal poisons of cobra, bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and puffer fish kill by targeting Ach to prevent neurotransmission.

It is a neuromodulator in both peripheral nervous system (PNS) and in the central nervous system (CNS).

ACh is needed for sensory perception (seeing & hearing), sustaining attention (increased responsiveness to sensory stimuli) and learning as well as encoding of new memories.

Serotonin

Refer to 'HAPPY FOODS‘ for food sources.

This neurotransmitter calms your nerves and is intimately involved with emotion and mood. It alleviates mood, improve cognitive function, facilitate greater concentration and vitality.

Research indicates Mycobacterium trigger release of serotonin. Mice fed Mycobacterium were put through stressful tasks. When the bacterium was removed from their diet, they continued to perform better than the control group for about three weeks. As the bacterium left their system, they gradually reverted to their normal selves.

Too little serotonin has been shown to lead to depression, problems with anger control, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and suicide. Too little also leads to craving for carbohydrates (starchy foods) and insomnia.

Stress hormones

Did you notice that when you are stressed, you are more susceptible to infection and have more aches and pains? Blame the stress hormones. Researchers found stress hormones increase pathogenic bacteria growth and virulence. The nasty microbes have receptors on their surface that can home in on stress hormones released by our body during physical or mental stress. [BMC Microbiology, Volume 14]

Adrenaline and Norepinephrine are stress hormones that enhance growth of pathogenic bacteria and help them to attach more firmly to host cell. That is why when you are stressed, pathogenic bacteria growth explodes. Cortisols are stress hormones that lowers your immunity, decrease libido and increase blood pressure and sugar.

A 2008 study led by psychologist Simon Knowles found that stool samples taken from Australian University students during exam week contained fewer lactobacilli compared to the relatively untroubled first days of the semester.

Stress chemicals not only increase pathogenic microbes, they seem to reduce beneficial microbes as well. Studies using rodents and monkeys produce the same result.

More on chemicals produced by your body: JUMBLEBLOG: CHEMISTRY OF SLEEP

 

Why Cholesterol is Essential for Health (2)

Function of cholesterol

Cholesterol is an integral component of every cell in your body, providing structural integrity and strength to cell membranes. It is not used as an energy source by your body because it is not biodegradable. (Cells membrane allows for the passage of nutrients and wastes into and out of the cell. Interaction with the cell membrane allows for molecular communication signals to pass from outside to inside of the cell.)

Cholesterol is the precursor of many bodily substances such as bile acids, vitamin D and hormones. Additionally, it contributes to the development and working of the central nervous system, and it has major functions in signal transduction.

All cells in the body synthesize cholesterol; the sites that produce the highest amount are the liver, intestines, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs.

What organs used cholesterol for

The liver produces about 20–25% of total daily requirements, half of which it converted into bile acids for digestion.

This is followed by the intestines. Bile salts aid in the intestinal absorption of fat molecules as well as the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K.

Cholesterol esters is a major constituent of the adrenal gland; providing the raw material for the synthesis of the steroidal hormones, cortisol (influences or regulates blood sugar, blood pressure, immune function, the body's anti-inflammatory processes and Central Nervous System [CNS] activation.), glucocorticoids (involved in immune and inflammatory processes), and aldosterone (the principal regulator of the salt and water balance of the body, thus influencing blood pressure).

Mineralocorticoids need cholesterol in its formation. This hormone regulates osmotic balance.

Reproduction

The reproductive organs need cholesterol for sperm development. This structural fat is also used in the formation of estrogens, testosterone, androgens and progesterone.

Embryonic development is affected by cholesterol through its covalent bonding to Hedgehog proteins, resulting in their activation. During embryonic development, Hedgehog proteins regulate cell proliferation and differentiation and where each type of cells should migrate to. Without cholesterol, the signaling activity is disrupted and cell differentiation may be impaired.

It is also involved in prenatal genital development.

The above show cholesterol plays a vital part in human embryogenesis and development.

Nerves

Nerves are like telephone lines that allow messages to be sent to different parts of the body for communication. Cholesterol is a precursor of neurosteroids (involved in neurotransmission and excitation).

The myelin sheath is very rich in cholesterol and form a protective layer around nerve neurons. This insulation provides conduction of impulses more efficiently. Myelination occurs most rapidly during prenatal development.

Others

Interaction of cholesterol with ceramides is essential for the barrier function of the skin.

Sunlight act on cholesterol on the skin for Vitamin D synthesis. A study found increased concentration of blood cholesterol during the winter months in participants. They speculated, “Lack of Sunlight could increase blood cholesterol by allowing squalling metabolism to progress to cholesterol synthesis rather than to vitamin D synthesis”.

Some research indicates cholesterol may act as an antioxidant. (Smith LL (1991).

Your brain comprises roughly a quarter of the total free cholesterol in the human body. That is why people with genetic defects that impair cholesterol formation or usage have impaired mental capacity.

Cholesterol is necessary for the ligand binding activity of the serotonin receptor. (Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an enormous influence over many brain functions).

It promotes and stabilizes membrane fluidity over a substantial range of physiological temperatures and sterol concentrations.

Cholesterol   is a sterol produced only by animals and can be found in dairy products, animal meat and egg yolk. This article is meant to dispel public fear of cholesterol. It is not meant to be an excuse to indulge in excessive quantities of food with saturated fats (lots of ice cream, whipped cream, rich cakes and coconut milk curries). You only need 20 percent of fats from your diet. Your body can provide the remainder 80 percent. Consume a mixture of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as each has its own distinctive role in the diet.  Refer to the food pyramid on amount of fats to include in your diet. Excessive amounts will upset the natural balance needed by your body. Minimize fries because high heat changes the structure of fat, rendering it toxic to the body.

Cholesterol loaded food is fine in moderation for those without metabolic diseases.

Why Cholesterol is Essential for Health

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We are well aware of the warning that ‘Cholesterol is BAD for us’.  Our body synthesizes about 80 percent of this much maligned fat from simpler molecules in a complex 37 step process. Cholesterol itself is but an intermediate substance needed by our body to synthesize critical substances needed for our well-being and survival. Experiments with mutant cell lines and specific inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis suggested that is essential for the growth of mammalian cells. With little or no cholesterol, the fetus will be aborted or has serious defects.

What could happen if our body could not use cholesterol? 

SLOS or 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase deficiency is an inborn error of cholesterol synthesis. Children born with this genetic disorder have problems ranging from intellectual disability and behavioral problems to life-threatening malformations. The condition includes defects in the brain, face, limbs, kidneys, liver, heart and genital area in varying degree of severity.

People with Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis lack an enzyme to convert cholesterol into bile acids normally. The function of bile acids is to emulsify lipids (fat) and fat-soluble vitamins to enable our body to absorb and use them. Children with this disorder experience diarrhea, cataracts and tendon xanthomas, which are soft bumps under the skin made up of yellow fatty deposits. These fatty deposits accumulate in the blood, nerve cells and the brain.

As they grow older, these children  may lose mental capability and begin to show signs of abnormal movements, cholesterol deposit in the brain, Degeneration of parts of the brain , Psychiatric symptoms, Seizure and  Premature atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessel).

Cystic fibrosis or cholestatic liver disease is a disorder where sufferers have an impaired capacity to absorb dietary fat and therefore fat-soluble vitamins as well. They experienced injury to the sensory nerves (peripheral neuropathy), impaired balance and coordination (ataxia), muscle weakness (myopathy), and damage to the retina of the eye (pigmented retinopathy).

The medical profession recognizes eight different inherited disorders of cholesterol biosynthesis that lead to congenital abnormalities. These diseases showed a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol in the body can result in severe health problems. The next article will focus on the numerous vital roles cholesterol plays that ensure our well-being.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION KILLS!

Can sleep deprivation kill? The answer is yes! A research study using rats showed sleep can kill. The rats that were totally deprived of sleep died within two to five weeks whereas the normal lifespan of lab rats are two to three years. The sleep deprived animals develop sores , their body temperature dropped and immune system gradually failed making them susceptible to infection.

There are no reports of human death due to total sleep deprivation in scientific literature. However, records of Nazi death camp experiments during World War II indicated this is possible.

Research showed that our brain's ability to function quickly deteriorates when we are sleep deprived. Without the restorative powers of sleep, the brain works harder to counteract sleep deprivation effects, but operates less effectively. Cognitive function and memory are impaired.

The ability of the frontal cortex of the brain to control speech, access memory and solve problems is affected. This is because lack of sleep lead to impaired formation of nervous tissue and inability of the brain to renew and rewire itself properly. Sleep deprived people feel exhausted and fatigued, which affect their moods, causing depression, stress and anger. They lacked physical energy and concentration as well as have slower reaction time.

One study stated that people who sleep less than four hours per night are three times more likely to die within the next six years. There are various ways sleep deprivation kill you… know what they are so that you can take measures to avoid a premature end.

WAYS SLEEP DEPRIVATION KILLS

1. Speeds up diseases associated with aging

Dr. Eve Van Cauter found that regular lack of sleep can hinder metabolism and hormone production in a way that is similar to the effects of aging and the early stages of diabetes. They become less sensitive to insulin and Their Glucose metabolism fell by up to forty percent. She stated, “We suspect that chronic sleep loss may not only hasten the onset but could also increase the severity of age-related ailments such as diabetes (type 2), hypertension, obesity and memory loss." There is decay or decline of body organs, bone and brain neurons etc. Therefore, they have a higher risk of dying prematurely from stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.

Our body also produces inflammatory substances when there is not enough sleep.

For example, Interleukin- 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) and C- reactive protein (CRP) are relevant to many disease processes such as cancer, hardening of the arteries, arthritis, insulin resistance and heart disease.

2. Accidents

Very sleep deprived people can go into bouts of ‘microsleep’ when they dozed off for several seconds without realizing it. each year there are thousands of road accidents due to sleepiness while driving. Last year there were several well publicized fatal accidents involving long distance express buses in the country. investigation showed that the drivers have to drive long distance non-stop (including night time driving) on fixed schedules. Survivors said that the drivers looked sleepy and in some cases were driving erratically before the accident occurred.

Do you know that tired workers are thought to be responsible for many major disasters including the giant oil spillage of the Exxon Valdez, the nuclear meltdowns of Three Mile Island and Chernobyl? Sleep deprivation not only endanger the lives of affected individuals but innocent ones as well.

A Harvard Medical School study found that when medical residents reported working five marathon shifts in a single month lasting 24 hours or more each, their risk of making a fatigue-related mistake that harmed a patient increased by 700%. the risk of making an error that resulted in a patient's death shot up by 300%.

"Working for more than 24 hours is hazardous," concluded Dr. Charles Czeisler who was involved in the project.

3. Depression, personality changes and suicide

Frequent extended sleep deprivation can have very detrimental long-term effects on the mind. A long haul trucker revealed, “Many periods of sleep deprivation lead to hallucinations; truckers call it "seeing the black dog". Once started it never goes away.”

In a well documented sleep deprivation study on a man called Peter Tripp that involved rigorous scientific testing revealed the effects of long periods without sleep on a person.

Tripp stayed awake continuously for 8.4 days. Towards the end of the study, he experienced paranoia, hallucinations, and other symptoms that mimic those of psychiatric disorders. He recovered physically and The symptoms disappeared after he was allowed to sleep. However, Tripp’s family soon noticed a difference in his personality. His wife said he was moody and depressed. He fought with his boss and was eventually fired from his job. He went on to accumulate four failed marriages. Some said his prolonged sleepless stint messed him up.

The Peter Tripp study, as well as other studies on sleep suggested the relationship between depression and disruption in the circadian rhythm.

Depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. Several studies showed that depressed people have shorter life expectancies than those without any depression partly due to susceptibility to medical illnesses and suicide. Up to 60 percent of people who committed suicide have depression or another mood disorder. Another heightened risk is from cardiovascular disease. Depressed people have a 1.5 to 2 fold increased susceptibility independent of other known risk factors.

4. Weight control

Lack of sleep increases ghrelin levels, a hormone that stimulates appetite. Together with the reduction of leptin levels [see previous article] resulted in people overeating and weight gain. As you know excess weight increases the risk of atherosclerosis (clogging and hardening of arteries), hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. leptin deficiency [a consequence of not enough sleep] makes you more susceptible to infectious and inflammatory stimuli. Inflammation makes affected tissues more susceptible to damage.

For instance, damage to inner lining of the arteries can make having a heart attack more likely.

In conclusion, your body relies on sleep to function properly. Constant sleep deprivation will not kill you immediately; but when your body could not shut down during sleep to repair the wear and tear inflicted during the waking hours, eventually the damage and toxic waste will build up to a point that can incapacitate . then, you are more likely to succumb to common diseases due to lower immunity and develop chronic illnesses that can become life threatening.

HEALING POWERS OF GOTU KOLA

Gotu kola is an herb that can stimulate our body to produce collagen which gives support, flexibility and strength to our body [skin, Muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels, hair and nails]. In the Ayurvedic tradition, it was highly valued for its anti-aging properties and mental enhancement capability.

Article: PRESERVE YOUR YOUTH WITH GOTU KOLA

New URL: http://jumblebox.webs.com/healthF/gotu.html

The next article shows you other benefits and therapeutic uses of Gotu kola. It also describes the major compounds that give the herb its numerous healing properties.

Article: MORE BENEFITS OF GOTU KOLA

New URL: http://jumblebox.webs.com/healthF/2gotu.html