Dr. David Pollack
Many of us suffer from frequent anxiety, depression and other less-than-ideal moods. Many take prescription medications or medicate using other methods, such as an evening glass of wine. There are many factors that contribute to our mood. The most important is probably overlooked. Our gut is not just responsible for breakdown and the absorption of nutrients. It has many functions outside of digestion. The small intestines, in particular, is not only responsible for the majority of digestive and absorptive functions, it is the home of the majority of the body’s immune system and neurotransmitter production.
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals used to fire nerves. Many of which are responsible for relay functional messages, such as muscle firing. Much of which also provides signaling in higher functions, such as thought and memory. The ability to properly produce and balance these neurotransmitters becomes paramount in the normal balance of mood and thought. Many call the gut “the second brain” as a result of these functions.
Difficulties in the manufacture and balance of these compounds can create changes in mood, behavior and thoughts. These changes often coincide with changes in digestive function. Poor digestion can be any of the following: heartburn, reflux, GERD, bloating, distention, gas, belching, and loose or hard stools. Any of these symptoms is a sign of poor digestion, which generally causes changes in the function, morphology and histological features of cells of the digestive tract. Those changes could cause changes in the production of many of the neurotransmitters produced by the gut, causing cascading effects in mood. Often, we can alter mood by improving gut function. Sometimes the opposite is true. Gut function is altered by mood. And balancing neurotransmitter and hormone production can repair not only mood, but also digestive function.
Many of these improvements can be achieved naturally without the use of drugs or surgery. One approach is to focus on the use of enzymes and other herbs and nutrients to safely and effectively improve the function of the digestive tract, neurotransmitter production and hormone balance. Always use the advice of an experienced holistic practitioner when choosing treatment strategies and selecting supplements for mood or digestive function.
Source: Dr. David Pollack. He will be hosting a lecture at his office on Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP required, no charge. Call 631-462-0801 to RSVP. Pollack Wellness Institute (formerly Creating Wellness Center) is located at 66 Commack Rd., Commack. For more information, call 631-462-0801 or visit CreatingWellnessLI.com. See ads on pages 15 and 49.
