It's currently trendy to talk about the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) when microbes interact with our food, and then modulate our neurotransmitters in the brain. What is important to include in the conversation is the idea that the Gut Brain Axis is a 2-way street.

When you drink coffee (black coffee) the bitter compounds in coffee bind to bitter receptors in your tongue. This activates you digestives system to start contracting (peristalsis) and enhances the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes. This mechanism is designed for survival so that you vomit up something that would otherwise be poisonous to your body.

Low grade activation of these bitter receptors through ingestion of bitter foods and herbs are wonderful strategies to help tonify the digestive system and the enteric nervous system. This is particularly important in my patients who have SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.

IF you have IBS, please schedule an appointment. There is a lot more to SIBO than just Rifaximin.