In humans it is established during the first two years of life, along with the intestinal epithelium and the intestinal mucosa secretions, which provide a barrier to pathogens. This microbiome also synthesizes vitamins B and K as well as metabolizing bile acids (secreted by the liver and stored in the gall bladder), sterols (chemical compounds), and xenobiotics (substance not naturally produced or present in an organism/pollutants). The neuro-active molecules produced in gut flora include acetylcholine, catecholamine, y-aminobutyric acid, histamine, melatonin, and serotonin, which are essential for many body functions.
Human gut microorganisms benefit the host by collecting energy from the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates and the subsequent absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, butyrate, and propionate. The SCFA act like hormones and the gut flora functions like an endocrine organ. What you feed your baby and child during their early years is vitally important for the health of their microbiome, which will affect or protect them for the rest of their life.
Diet, drugs, fluoride, GMOs, agriculture chemicals, glyphosate, damaged fats/oils, refined sugar/carbs, gluten, nonorganic grains, toxic metals, pollution, EMFs, changes in sleep patterns, or disease can cause unhealthy changes in gut flora/microbiome. They also correlate with changes in levels of circulating cytokines (small signalling peptide proteins involved in immune responses), some of which can affect brain function and the body’s immune system (e.g. a cytokine storm).
In addition, chronic or acute stress or fear can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cause changes in the gut flora and intestinal epithelium. This in turn, causes systemic effects that are often identified as as leaky gut; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); viral, fungal, or parasitical infections; various autoimmune diseases; or mental disorders.
Time dependent microbes that are dependent on the circadian clock genes and the circadian rhythm can be impacted by sleep disturbances, which can lead to greater gut mucosal permeability via activation of HPA axis. This in turn causes inflammatory immune responses that contribute to illnesses, depression, and anxiety.
In addition to the effects microbiomes have on mood, anxiety, and sleep, it is well known that 70% of children with autism have gastrointestinal problems. A 2015 study showed that people with Parkinson’s disease had lower levels of Prevotellaceae, and the higher their levels of Enterobacteriaceae, the more clinically severe were their symptoms.
If a parent, therapist, or health professional wants to improve a child’s behavior, the first thing they must do is change and improve their diet. This is a far more effective and safer protocol than medicating a child with harmful drugs; all of which have serious side effects.
One of the best ways to nourish and cleanse the gut is with a fresh, organic Kraut Garden Salad, which is high in purifying sulfur foods, such as raw, fermented sauerkraut, scallions, radishes, carrots, and garlic.
This nutrient rich salad also contains chlorophyll rich dark green Romain/cos lettuce; beets, which are very nourishing for the liver; EFAs in balance (flax seed oil)), high in omega 3 to nourish the neurons; fresh lemon juice, with its beneficial negative charge; and antioxidant rich oregano and tomatoes. Oregano is also antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal.