Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Low carb, low fat for IBS

Carbs, breakdown to tryptophan which is an essential amino acid. You can only get this from diet.

"Serotonin (a neurotransmitter), synthesized via tryptophan"

"serotonin is responsible for initiating and propagating the peristaltic reflex" -------Gut contractions

This process seems to be dirupted in IBS pateints.

There are cells embedded in the gut wall called enterochromaffin cells, they release serotonin to start gut contractions. When to much is released you get d, to little c and alternators both. Its is also responcible for signaling pain to the brain from the gut.

"Ninety per cent of the total body content of 5HT is found in the enterochromaffin cells in the wall of the intestine."

Video Corner: Serotonin

Increasingly our understanding of IBS is that it is a heterogeneous disorder � that is, multiple factors contribute to the well defined symptoms of the disorder. One of these suspected underlying dysfunctions involves serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter or messenger to nerves. Most serotonin in the body is in cells that line the gut where it senses what is going on and through receptors signals nerves that stimulate a response. The serotonin must then be reabsorbed (a process called re-uptake) into cells. This process appears to be disrupted in people with IBS

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/serotonin

In the brain the right level of serotonin is how you feel relaxed. Too high and you get anxiety.

Its not the amount in the body but the regulation or in IBS dysregulation. Serotonin itself doesn't actually go from the gut to the brain, but triggers nerve fibers to send signals to the brain that the gut is in distress and in pain.

Serotonin (pronounced /ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən/) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. It is found extensively in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, and about 80 to 90 percent of the human body's total serotonin is located in the enterochromaffin cells in the gut, where it is used to regulate intestinal movements.[1][2] The remainder is synthesized in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) where it has various functions, including the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and some cognitive functions including memory and learning.

http://www.answers.com/topic/serotonin

What Foods Produce Serotonin and how

http://www.nativeremedies.com/articles/what-foods-produce-serotonin-and-how.html

You might notice IBsers can have problems with sleep, appetitie, moods, and in regards to pain and IBS, serotonin signaling to the brain and the mode of action to d, c and d/c IBS.

There is another important cell as well the mast cell. Which can be triggered by foods, stressors, both mental and physical,certain medications, which has also been shown to be very important in IBS.

IF you take a look at this picture, you can see where the ec cells and mast cells are located on the bottom right. They are actually embedded in the wall of the colon. When the colon gets distended from food or other reasons, such as gas, it releases chemnicals. Serotonin then starts gut contractions. This is also one reason why gas bubbles or pockets in the colon themselves can be painful.

http://www.webpotential.com/falcon/uploadibspics3/images/gutreceptors.gif

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My website on IBS is www.ibshealth.com

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