Re-Grow Your Brain Cells

Reprinted with permission from Dr. John Douillard, DC © February 3, 2015

Perhaps one of the most exciting fields of research today is called the “gut-brain axis.” While it is not completely understood by any means, researchers have mapped out an intimate relationship that exists between the chemicals made in the gut, the microbes that reside in the gut, and the function they have in the brain. Reciprocally, the brain can have a similar effect on the function of the gut.

This relationship is described in interesting detail by Ayurveda.

The gut was described as “the seat of the nervous system” thousands of years ago, and only recently has that been discovered by modern science.

In a recent study, one of Ayurveda’s favorite spices, turmeric, has been shown to play an important role in the gut-brain axis with regard to mood and stress-related intestinal health issues. (1) Such intestinal health issues affect about 10-15% of the population worldwide and commonly go hand in hand with stress-related mood issues. (1)

While turmeric has been shown to support healthy moods in human studies, animal studies have dug a bit deeper into how exactly turmeric may play a role. After a stressful event, studies have shown a decrease in serotonin, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factors) and other brain chemicals that are associated with healthy moods and good intestinal function. (1) Turmeric was shown to increase the levels of these brain chemicals in both the brain and the gut, resulting in improved mood and intestinal health. The conclusion of the study suggested that turmeric may play a role in regulating the health and function of both the brain and the peripheral intestinal system.

Another study, published in Stem Cell Research and Therapy, suggested that a component of turmeric called aromatic-turmerone could increase brain stem cell growth in cell cultures. (2) Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the ability to regenerate brain cells that have been destroyed or damaged. (2) While prior studies have shown that turmeric can offer protective support to brain cells, the possibility that a constituent of turmeric could help increase neural (brain) stem cells is very exciting.

References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24807589
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/behindtheheadlines/news/2014-09-26-could-curry-spice-boost-brain-cell-repair/