How Leaky Gut Leads to Brain Inflammation
- Sep 5, 2022
- 2 min read
Brain inflammation actually starts in the gut. When you have leaky gut, the lining of your gut becomes porous, allowing pathogens, bacteria, and food proteins to pass through the gut wall and enter the bloodstream, provoking an immune inflammatory response.
This inflammation can also lead to the breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), resulting in what we call leaky brain. Leaky brain can result in brain fog, poor memory, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
It even can trigger the development of certain diseases in those with genetic predispositions toward depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as memory and mood disorders.
Immune cells in our brain are called microglia. They stand guard against toxic molecules. When infectious agents and pathogens cross the BBB, the microglia produce inflammatory cytokines and work to immediately decrease the inflammation and destroy the invaders.
However, the microglia can get confused when there are significant inflammatory compounds coming across the BBB. The microglia can start to attack the BBB itself, increasing its permeability.
In essence the brain’s immune system develops autoimmunity and starts to attack its own brain cells. This neurodegeneration can lead to dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Supplements that Reduce Brain Inflammation:
1. Turmeric: an antioxidant which helps stop the rampant proliferation of microglia; supports the strength of the BBB; and reduces the inflammatory cytokines. Helps to clear the amyloid plaques of Alzheimer’s disease and helps create new neurons.
2. NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine): an antioxidant, supports glutathione levels in body; regulates immune system; helps neutralize oxidative compounds; protects against inflammation-induced dysfunction of the BBB; inhibits the cerebral inflammatory response.
3. B Vitamins: combat neuroinflammation; support and help to restore integrity of BBB; reduce levels of homocysteine which can contribute to disruption of BBB; B12 deficiency is risk factor for Alzheimer’s, supplementation can assist with prevention and treatment.
**Content provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is derived from information from Sarah Otto’s Goodness lover podcast. It is not to be considered medical advice.**
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