Our brain and guts

Helen Anderson, RN, MSN GERO-BC

Gut = GI system

• esophagus (throat)
• stomach
• small intestine
• large intestine

Gut function

• break down food for nutrients
• recycle bile to absorb fats
• enzymes make vitamin B1, B9, B12, K
• absorb nutrients into the blood
• expel toxins, manage intake

Gut microbiome

• 100 trillion microscopic organisms - thousands of species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
• inside your intestines
• 2-6 pounds!

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Unique to YOU

• born with a sterile gut
• vaginal birth, breastfeeding start process
• Diet and environment impact as we age
• No guts have the same population
• Families are the most alike

Immunity

• Largest immune system organ, containing up to 80% of your body’s immune cells. These cells help to clear out the many pathogens that pass through it every day.

Barrier

• created helpful bacteria
• fills in the gaps between cells in small intestine
• keep harmful pathogens out of the bloodstream

current research

• autism, cancer, diabetes, obesity
• different biomes
• is this caused by or resulting from these conditions

Certain gut bacteria can influence serotonin (mood, energy, depression)

Food choices contribute to depression? Science is testing the theory

Probiotics

• live micro-organisms
• support beneficial bacteria
• help re-balance after illness
• pills can be effective

fecal transplant

• healthy donor
• introduced by capsule
• natural therapy re-populate gut with "good bacteria"
• member of same household
• after long term antibiotic treatment

Gut care

• plant rich diet
• fermented food - kimchi, sauerkaut, kombucha
• avoid antibiotics
• limit alcohol, processed foods

thank you