Traumatic Brain Injury TBI & Leaky Gut

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Gut Connection: Unraveling the Link

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), including mild TBI (mTBI) or concussion, is directly linked to your gut health.

In the course of a Traumatic Brain Injury, the communication between your brain and digestive system, transmitted through nerve signals, hormones, and the immune system pathways, gets disrupted. This communication breakdown results in an increased permeability of your intestines, making them more leaky than under normal circumstances.

The Interplay Between Leaky Gut and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Vicious Cycle

A leaky gut or intestine exacerbates brain inflammation following a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Studies conducted on mice revealed that infection with a specific bacteria in the intestines led to increased inflammation in the brain [1].

TBI sets off a detrimental cycle where the initial brain injury disrupts gut function, subsequently intensifying the severity of the original brain injury [1].

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Traumatic Brain Injury Can Alter Gut Bacteria

In the average human, there are approximately 30-300 trillion bacteria residing in the intestines. In conditions like TBI, autism, PTSD, and major depression, there is an alteration in the composition of gut bacteria. These changes in gut bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response in the brain or induce an autoimmune reaction. This intricate interplay highlights the significant connection between gut health and the aftermath of Traumatic Brain Injury.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Treatments: Nurturing Your Gut Health

Emerging research suggests that prebiotics and probiotics can be beneficial for individuals dealing with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [2]. However, the key lies in opting for high-quality, high-potency probiotics, such as Genestra. Additionally, varying the types of probiotics is crucial to expose your intestines to different strains, optimizing their impact.

Based on personal experience, the efficacy of these treatments is significantly enhanced when using high-quality and potent probiotics.

Here are practical steps to protect your gut lining and address concussion-related leaky gut:

1. Use High-Quality Probiotics: Opt for reputable brands like Genestra that offer high-quality, high-potency probiotics. Rotate between different types to ensure diverse exposure for your intestines.
2. Deglycerized Licorice before Meals: Safeguard your gut lining by taking deglycerized licorice approximately 20 minutes before each main meal. While it’s not necessary before snacks, timing it before meals enhances its effectiveness.

Prioritizing your gut health through these measures can contribute to managing the challenges associated with Traumatic Brain Injury and related gut issues. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice based on your specific condition.

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Pictures

1. Photo by Gary Edmonstone on Unsplash
   
   
2. Photo by Lauren McConachie on Unsplash

Research

1. Caroline S. Zhu, Ramesh Grandhi,Thomas Tyler Patterson, and Susannah E. Nicholson, A Review of Traumatic Brain Injury and the Gut Microbiome: Insights into Novel Mechanisms of Secondary Brain Injury and Promising Targets for Neuroprotection, Brain Sci. 2018 Jun; 8(6): 113.
2. A systematic review regarding prebiotic and probiotic interventions for those with traumatic brain injury and/or posttraumatic stress disorder.
   Brenner LA, Stearns-Yoder KA, Hoffberg AS, Penzenik ME, Starosta AJ, Hernández TD, Hadidi DA, Lowry CA
   Brain Behav Immun. 2017 Oct; 65():57-67.