Antibiotics and the nervous system
A 2017 study has found that all antibiotics produced changes to neuronally dependent motility reflexes and evoked a direct response in the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). Therefore, it may be that the antibiotics affect our gut-brain-axis via mechanisms other than disruption to the microbiome.
The Vagus Nerve (VN) is the main component of the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and is involved in sensing microbiota through afferent nerve fibres and then transferring this information to the Central Nervous system (CNS) where either an adaptive or inappropriate response occurs.
Stress inhibits Vagus Nerve and low Vagus Nerve tone is found in conditions such as IBS and IBD.
Pre- and Probiotics, curcumin, acetylcholine, deep breathing and moderate exercise may all support motility and gut health by improving VN tone and supporting the ENS.
