1. Antidepressants make me feel sick to my stomach, is there a connection?

Many drugs designed to affect the brain also affect the gut. For example, it is a medical fact that more Serotonin is produced in the gut then anywhere else in the body. Antidepressants prevent uptake of Serotonin in the brain therefore less is available for use by the cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, many people experience nausea, diarrhea and/or constipation when using these drugs.

2. What is the connection between digestive system and brain chemistry (neurotransmitters)?

There is powerful brain-gut connection that originates during early fetal development from the tissue called the neural crest. This conduction is very influential in our health. It is from healthy gut that we enjoy psychological, neurological and immunological health. There are actually more nerve cells in the overall digestive system then in the peripheral nervous system. Furthermore, majority of neurotransmitters found in the brain - including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine and nitric oxide - occur plentifully in the gut as well. Also, psychoactive chemicals similar to mood-controlling drugs like Xanax and Valium reside in the gut.

3. How do we experience brain—digestive system (gut) connection?

Our gut has ability to act independently, learn, remember and feel. Science journalist Sandra Blakeslee writes in the New York Times: "Have you ever wondered why people get butterflies in the stomach before going on stage? Or why an impending job interview can cause an attack of intestinal cramps? And why do antidepressants targeted for the brain cause nausea or abdominal upset in millions of people who take such drugs? The reason for these common experiences is because each of us literally has two brains: the familiar one encased in our skulls and a lesser known but vitally important one found in the human gut. Like Siamese twins, the two brains are interconnected; when one gets upset, the other does to."

4. What causes digestive system imbalance?

The cause of the problem is imbalance in intestinal flora and the body's inability to properly digest certain foods such as simple carbohydrates, these remain in the gut undigested, fermenting (rotting), attracting water, producing volumes of gas and a variety of caustic acids, which at first irritate, then damage and eventually destroy the delicate linings of the intestines. All of these symptoms are a result of the biochemical changes associated with the body's inability to properly digest certain foods. Toxins from rotting, undigested food in your intestines, routinely contributes to mental problems, behavioral problems, joint problems, memory problems, allergy problems, and more.

5. How is my health affected by digestive system imbalance?

Although all of the above mentioned conditions have their origin in the digestive system, they routinely cause learning disabilities; hyperactive kids with attention deficit disorders; as well as contributing to diseases like cystic fibrosis, schizophrenia, autism, and allergies. They also contribute to immune problems; depression, anxiety, behavioral, and memory problems; chronic arthritis, rheumatoid and other pain syndromes.

6. How do I improve the health of my digestive system?

At NeuroWellness our programs are designed to promote gastrointestinal health and return to normal function. While this is not a "quick fix" process, it is not difficult either, and the health benefits can be dramatic. We will design a program customized for you and guide you in adjusting your life style and eating habits. Once this is in place, the average person will improve within 30 days. However, the complete remission of all symptoms and related diseases can take year or longer.

7. What is the link between ADHD/ADD, Asthma, Allergies, digestive health and the brain?

While allergies may have many causes, consider the possibility that systemic yeast overgrowth may be an underlying factor. Extensive research shows that yeast overgrowth can weaken the immune system and open the door to food sensitivities, ADHD/ADD, allergies, asthma, and other seemingly unrelated health problems. You can upset the delicate ecosystem of friendly bacteria in your digestive system by taking antibiotics, or eating a diet high in processed foods (junk food). Having fewer friendly bacteria in your gut allows the normal small colonies of yeast to begin growing out of control, compromising that part of your immune system located in the digestive tract. The yeast changes from buds to mycelia that actually cause tiny perforations in your intestines, (leaky gut syndrome) which allows yeast and other toxins to spill into your bloodstream, triggering allergic responses.

In addition, the failure of your immune system to function perfectly sometimes triggers over-response (known as a histaminic response) to some substances. The most common food allergies are wheat, corn, milk, and eggs, although many people have dozens of food allergy triggers. These food sensitivities may cause symptoms of fatigue, headache, drowsiness, irritability, hyperactivity, ear infections, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, hives, and itching. Some of your favorite foods could be the ones feeding your problems, especially if they are high in yeast and sugar. Environmental toxins, ranging from tobacco smoke to perfumes to household cleaning products, can cause similar symptoms. And they may be caused by yeast overgrowth resulting in the release of toxins into your bloodstream.