Refresh Your Soul

  Understanding Motility and Prokinetics in Gut Health Introduction to Gut Motility Gut motility refers to the movement of contents through the digestive tract, primarily driven by a coordinated series of muscle contractions. These contractions, known as peristalsis, propel feces through the colon and eventually out of the body. Optimal gut motility is essential for nutrient absorption, digestion, and waste elimination. When motility is impaired, it can lead to conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction. This article unpacks motility, explores the concept of prokinetics, examines natural and dietary sources that stimulate gut motility, and reviews the current literature on this critical topic in gastroenterology. What Are Prokinetics? Prokinetics are substances—whether pharmaceutical, herbal, or dietary—that enhance gastrointestinal motility by stimulating the smooth muscles of the gut. By improving motility, they help ...

  Stress and Its Impact on Gut Health  The Connection Between Stress and Gut Health  The link between our mind and digestive health is far from simple. While infamous phrases like “gut instinct” hint at our body’s intuitive connection between brain and belly, science offers far more complex insights. Research has shown that stress significantly impacts gut health, with the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system intricately intertwined through the gut-brain axis. This dynamic relationship is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Chronic stress not only alters the physical function of the gut but also affects its delicate microbiota composition. Elevated cortisol levels and the activation of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling pathways play a central role in this disruption. But how exactly does this connection manifest, and what are its implications for our overall health? The Role ...