Its not your fault your moody.....

.....actually yes it is. This article is hot off the Paleo Press and discusses the link to diet and mental stability and mental illness. Enjoy!

Leaky Gut, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Psychiatric Disease by Maelán Fontes and Pedro Bastos

Psychiatric disorders are common conditions among IBS patients1. Recent research suggests that the gut-brain connection plays an important role in IBS patients suffering from psychiatric diseases2, 3.

IBS and psychiatric disorders

IBS is diagnosed in patients suffering from abdominal pain/discomfort and inconsistency in stool frequency. IBS is included in functional gastrointestinal disorders because organic causes are not present. Currently, it seems to be produced by anomalies in the digestive function, especially motility and sensitivity1. However, it is associated with activation of mucosal immune cells.

IBS is a common condition affecting between 10-20 percent of the population4. It is more prevalent in women, and is exacerbated by stress5.

Less than half of IBS patients seek treatment, but of those who do, between 50-90 percent have psychiatric disorders. This includes panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, post traumatic stress disorder, and major depression2.

The root of mood disorders

Current theories suggest that impaired neurotransmitter metabolism, neuroendocrine function, and neural plasticity disrupted by inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes may be at the root of mood disorders. These processes include factors such as low-grade chronic inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and tryptophan catabolites6, 7.

One of the mechanisms leading to mood disorders in IBS patients is “bottom-up signalling” from the gut4. This signalling is mediated chiefly by the so-called vagus nerve, which directly connects the gut mucosa with mood-related brain areas4.

Another mechanism involves the central nerve system (CNS) immune activation, which is induced by peripheral inflammatory substances, namely cytokines. This leads to an inflammatory response, and oxidative and nitrosative stress in the brain6, 7.

Such immune activation could result from peripheral inflammation. The gut immune system could be the source of this inflammation since the gut associated lymphoid tissue is challenged and activated by countless antigenic and allergenic substances (bacterial and dietary antigens) every day8.

Increased gut permeability linked to psychiatric conditions

Scientific evidence shows that decreasing gut permeability improves conditions such as depression and chronic fatigue syndrome9.

One important factor that might activate “bottom-up signalling” and CNS immune activation is increased gut permeability or leaky gut (LG)3, 4, 7, 8. LG refers to the gut barrier allowing increased passage of bacterial or dietary antigens from the gut to peripheral circulation6, 8. This might increase the risk of psychiatric disease.

Lectins8, saponins10, gliadin11, capsaicin, alcohol12, and factors known to increase E. coli and gram-negative bacteria overgrowth (such as certain dietary lectins8) are common in the Western diet, and can produce LG through different mechanisms8, 10, 11.

<---Definitely has leaky gut.....:(

The Paleo Diet protects against increased gut permeability and related disorders

The Paleo Diet can help reduce gut permeability by eliminating foods known to contribute to LG. This includes lectin-containing foods, such as cereal grains and legumes (including peanuts and soybeans)8.

Gliadin11 is also associated with LG, and it is found in all wheat-derived products (such as bread, pasta, pizzas, bagels, and donuts).

When LG is a concern, we recommend that solanaceous plants (such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers)10, 13 as well as alfalfa sprouts14, root beer15, amaranth, quinoa, alcohol12, and chilli peppers (which contain capsaicin) also be avoided.

We further recommend avoiding eggs, at least until LG symptoms subside. Egg white is a source of some membranolytic proteins, such as lysozyme16, that break cell membranes and may contribute to LG.

Following the Paleo Diet has been shown anecdotally to help IBS and other autoimmune diseases, and many autoimmune diseases present with LG. Next time, we’ll take a look at who is at high risk for vitamin D deficiency, and the risk factors for disease associated with this. We'll also share ideas on how to save with grocery store specials.