Why the Gut-Brain Connection Matters for Your Health
At Aligned Modern Health, we believe that understanding the root causes of symptoms is key to long-term wellness. One of the most profound — yet often overlooked — relationships in the body is the connection between the gut and the brain. In a recent webinar, Dr. Hovig Vartanian from our Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition team explored how chronic inflammation in the gut can influence brain health, mood, and overall wellness.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Inflammation—And Why Does It Matter?
Most of us are familiar with acute inflammation. It’s the swelling after a sprained ankle or the redness around a paper cut — the body’s way of healing and protecting itself. But chronic inflammation is more subtle and often silent. It can be triggered by poor diet, stress, environmental toxins, or undiagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) issues, gradually damaging tissues and disrupting how our systems function together.
Your Gut: More Than Just Digestion
Your digestive tract is an incredibly complex system that starts at the mouth and ends at the rectum. Along the way, it breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and defends against harmful invaders. Central to this system is the gut microbiome — the trillions of beneficial bacteria that support immunity, hormone regulation, and neurotransmitter production.
When chronic inflammation disrupts this environment, it can damage the intestinal lining (a condition often called “leaky gut”) and allow unwanted substances to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to immune overactivation and even contribute to autoimmune conditions and mood disorders.
Measuring Inflammation in Functional Medicine
Unlike traditional medicine, which often uses generalized markers, functional medicine dives deeper to identify the source and impact of inflammation. Some tools we use include:
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High-Sensitivity CRP – Often used to assess cardiovascular risk and systemic inflammation.
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Stool Testing (e.g., Calprotectin, Lactoferrin) – Helps distinguish between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and monitors treatment progress.
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Micronutrient Testing – Evaluates whether chronic gut inflammation is preventing nutrient absorption.
Gut Health Starts With How You Eat
How you eat matters just as much as what you eat. According to Dr. Vartanian, digestion begins in the mouth — and proper chewing is critical. Rushed meals, poor dental health, and inadequate chewing can force your stomach and intestines to do extra work, leading to symptoms like bloating and indigestion.
Once food moves into the small intestine, it’s absorbed through structures called villi. Chronic inflammation can flatten these finger-like projections, reducing nutrient absorption and worsening symptoms.
What Is the Gut-Brain Connection?
The gut has its own nervous system, called the enteric nervous system, and it communicates directly with the brain via the vagus nerve. This communication pathway regulates digestion and sends signals that affect mood, memory, and stress response.
When the gut is inflamed, neurotransmitter production can suffer. This affects levels of:
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Serotonin – Impacts mood and sleep.
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Dopamine – Affects motivation and pleasure.
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GABA – Calms the nervous system.
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Adrenaline/Noradrenaline – Related to stress and focus.
These neurotransmitters require specific nutrients for production. If inflammation limits nutrient absorption, imbalances can occur—contributing to anxiety, depression, fatigue, and poor focus.
Supporting Gut-Brain Health: What You Can Do
Functional medicine offers a variety of natural strategies to support your gut-brain axis:
1. Prioritize Prebiotics and Probiotics
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Prebiotics (e.g., garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas) feed your healthy gut bacteria.
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Probiotics (specific strains based on your stool analysis) can restore balance.
2. Reduce Inflammatory Triggers
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Limit processed foods, excess sugar, alcohol, and environmental toxins.
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Address chronic stress, which contributes to gut dysfunction.
3. Nourish With Key Nutrients
Essential vitamins and minerals for neurotransmitter synthesis include:
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B vitamins
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Vitamin D
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Zinc
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Iron
These should come from a mix of whole foods and targeted supplementation, depending on your needs.
4. Stimulate the Vagus Nerve
Gentle techniques like deep breathing, singing, cold showers, and meditation can improve gut-brain signaling.
Chronic Conditions and the Gut-Brain Connection
Research continues to reveal links between gut inflammation and chronic diseases, including:
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Dementia – Inflammation and blood sugar instability may accelerate cognitive decline.
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Parkinson’s Disease – Early signs like constipation point to gut-brain disruption.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis – A “leaky gut” may trigger immune responses that attack the joints.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
At Aligned Modern Health, our Functional Medicine and Clinical Nutrition team offers comprehensive evaluations to uncover the root cause of symptoms and provide personalized, science-backed care. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or simply want to feel your best, we’re here to support your journey.
To learn more or book an appointment call us at (773) 692-6700.
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Watch the Full Webinar
For a deeper dive into the science and clinical insights behind inflammation and the gut-brain connection, watch this recorded webinar with Dr. Hovig Vartanian of Aligned Modern Health’s Functional Medicine team.
