by Laura Hernández

Did you know it is estimated that 90 percent of the body´s serotonin (also known as the happy hormone or feel good hormone) is made in the gut? This surprising data tells us that most of our emotions and sensations are generated in the gut and not in the brain as we´ve all been taught and believed. What an amazing revelation!

According to Jay Pasricha, MD, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology, “The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain—with profound results.” Now, we are able to further understand our digestive system’s significant role in our behavior and emotions. It is also important to highlight that serotonin is responsible for regulating our appetite, sexual desire, sleep cycles, emotions and even body temperature. Unbelievable, isn’t it? And we thought it was all in our head. In addition to this, nearly 50 percent of dopamine (our reward hormone) is also formed in the gut, a compound that is also related to behavior and pleasure. Scientific evidence has confirmed that a dopamine deficiency may be the cause to the development of certain diseases such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. According to Sarkis Mazmanian, lead researcher at the Californian Institute of Technology (Caltech), “A new study adds further evidence to a growing number of research breakthroughs which suggests that Parkinson’s (PD) originates in the gut and not the brain. New research outcomes in mice suggest PD might actually start in the gut and this might explain why most Parkinson´s patients complain of constipation and gut-related symptoms before other symptoms arise.” It is also a fact that an imbalance in the levels of serotonin and dopamine are linked to several psychological conditions and may be the cause for anxiety, aggressiveness, distress and depression, among others. But beware, if taking prescription drugs for some psychological condition, please keep on doing so. Now, if 90 percent of the compound that generates well-being and happiness occurs in our gut, wouldn’t it be worth it to eat properly and keep a clean gut? It will allow our digestive system to work harmoniously. We must evacuate in the same proportions we eat! On the other hand, although many of us rely on laxatives to help relieve constipation or cleanse the colon, we must be very careful with our intake. The use and abuse of laxatives are very common, occurring when there is a repeated, frequent use that might cause dependence on them, losing their effectiveness in a short time and forcing us to take more or even a higher dose. Since 80 percent of the immune system is in the digestive system, we’re weakening it, too. It is not an overstatement to say that the consequences are dire. Let’s not fall into that trap. Laxatives will not solve the problem at large; it worsens it by causing irritation to the digestive system as well as a lazy colon. Laxatives remove water, minerals and vitamins that are essential to our body. In addition, this may cause weakness, tiredness, moodiness, stomach discomfort, fluid retention, nausea, headaches, and even depression due to the imbalance of minerals that causes dehydration. The bottom line is: Our health depends on our gut. Our happiness, physical and emotional well-being rely heavily on it. We must take care of it by keeping it clean for a more balanced digestive flora so that it works properly. Constipation, irritable colon syndrome, colitis, gastritis, reflux and indigestion are just the symptoms of a much larger predicament that affects our overall health, mood, self-esteem, sexual and daily life. Colon hydrotherapy, along with a proper diet, is the perfect alternative to maintaining a healthy colon and digestive system. Several sessions are required to thoroughly clean it up, although you´ll feel its benefits from your first session. We also have the privacy you need to feel in complete comfort and confidence in our clinic-spa. Visit our website and watch our proprietary animated video of how the treatment works in the Modern Open System with the latest state-of- the-art camera monitoring. Our devices are FDA approved.

Laura Hernández is a colon therapist examined by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy (NBCHT) and certified at the advanced level of Colon Hydrotherapy by the International Association for Colon Hydrotherapy (I-ACT). She specializes in colon lavage, preparation method for colonoscopy, designed by gastroenterologists in the United States. True Colon Hydrotherapy Spa is located at 508 NE 13th St., Fort Lauderdale. For more information and appointments, call 954-296-1218 and/or visit TrueColon.com.