hat is Depression? It is a very real condition which affects the brain and the body. It is more than having the blues or being down in the dumps. There are numerous causes, some understood more than others. Depression becomes our safety net. It is how we protect ourselves when internal and external stresses become more than we can handle. The subject of depres- sion and the brain/ gut connection is vast and touches every part of us. In this article I offer you the beginnings of an understanding that there is a definite connection between the gut and brain, and I will try to bring you to a new level of awareness on how your diet affects your emotions. We are all aware of the many external factors that contribute to
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depression. What we are not so familiar with is the role our gut- brain connection plays. Science is now on a fast track, finally seeing the far-reaching effects of what is happening in our brains. At the recent Evolution of Medicine Summit, Dr. Maya Klein stated, “The gut is the soil in which the brain grows.”
A Pathway Out of Pain and Illness
We have at least two ‘brains.’ One is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Another is our gut, also called the Enteric Nervous System. Half of the body’s nerve cells are located in the gut, many more than are in the brain. Most of our lymph cells are in the gut, as well. Billions of dollars are spent yearly on drugs for digestive ail- ments and anti-depressants. How sad, when this newest knowledge can lead us out of this nightmare of pain and illness. Our heart also can be considered a brain. We are heart- centered beings who need connections to others. Depression has a profound effect on our ability to function when there is a lack of support within and without for our body, heart and soul.
Your Life’s Dream Being stressed upsets our internal environment. We suffer from
digestive ailments and the balance of gut flora (the bacteria living inside of us). Gut flora should be mostly positive, but for most of us it is just the opposite. This upset in the balance causes our energy to become stagnant and we become depressed. In order to protect ourselves from overwhelming feelings and the toxicity that causes stress, we lose our connection to others, as well as ourselves. Add to this the daily diet of toxins in our environment, food and water, medications, poor diet, allergies, our thoughts and beliefs and, of course, the financial pressures we deal with daily. Why should we be surprised when our bodies, minds, and hearts rebel. We have forgotten we once had a dream for our life. All of these stresses then become a major factor for depression.
Colon Therapy
As a Colon Hydrotherapist for more than 30 years, working with thousands of clients, I have encountered many people with emotional/ gut issues. I have seen how the heart and emotions affect us. When we clean our gut, I see huge shifts in energy, vibrancy and the ability to support ourselves on the journey to wellness. Often, people who come for colon therapy are not in touch with their gut feelings. After having a few sessions of colon therapy, many begin to process unpleasant experiences or emotions that surface. One client told me she had been living under a black cloud for most of her life. After her session, she was amazed and surprised to feel better both physically and mentally, and realized her black cloud
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