Things and how they effect the body/ General questions Flashcards
How does inflammation effect the body?
Impact of Inflammation on Neurotransmitters
Disruption of Neuronal Communication:
Inflammation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), which can damage neuronal structures, including the synaptic terminals.
Damaged terminals reduce the efficiency of neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft.
Alteration of Tryptophan Metabolism:
Inflammation shifts tryptophan (the precursor of serotonin) away from serotonin production and toward the kynurenine pathway. This reduces serotonin availability.
Kynurenine metabolites may also have neurotoxic effects, further impairing neuronal function.
Decreased Receptor Sensitivity and Function:
Chronic inflammation can downregulate or desensitize neurotransmitter receptors (e.g., serotonin and dopamine receptors), making it harder for signals to be effectively transmitted even if neurotransmitters are present.
Reduced Synaptic Plasticity:
Inflammatory cytokines impair synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to activity. This limits the brain’s capacity for adaptive communication, including neurotransmitter release and uptake.
Disruption of Glial Support:
Glial cells (e.g., astrocytes and microglia) are critical for clearing excess neurotransmitters from synaptic spaces. Inflammatory activation of glial cells can impair this process, leading to neurotransmitter imbalances and excitotoxicity.
Effect on Serotonin and Other Neurotransmitters
Serotonin: Inflammation interferes with its synthesis, release, and reuptake due to disrupted tryptophan metabolism and receptor desensitization.
Dopamine: Inflammation can inhibit dopamine production and reduce dopamine receptor sensitivity, impacting motivation and mood.
Glutamate and GABA: Inflammatory cytokines can disrupt the balance between excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters, contributing to mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction.
EPA’s Role in Countering These Effects
Reducing Inflammation:
EPA decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, preserving neuronal structures and receptor function.
By protecting synaptic terminals, EPA helps maintain normal neurotransmitter release and uptake.
Stabilizing Neuronal Membranes:
EPA supports the integrity of neuronal cell membranes, ensuring proper functioning of neurotransmitter transporters and receptors.
Restoring Tryptophan Pathways:
By reducing inflammation, EPA may restore the balance of tryptophan metabolism, favoring serotonin production over the kynurenine pathway.
Summary
Inflammation impairs serotonin and other neurotransmitters by damaging neuronal structures, shifting precursor metabolism, and disrupting receptor function. EPA helps counteract these effects by reducing inflammation, protecting neurons, and promoting neurotransmitter balance.
What is a recommended sleeping position for GERD symptom management?
a) Sleeping on the back
b) Sleeping on the right side
c) Sleeping on the left side
d) Sleeping flat without a pillow
Left-side sleeping reduces reflux by positioning the stomach below the esophagus.
Incorrect:
a) Sleeping on the back: Increases reflux due to gravitational disadvantage.
b) Right-side sleeping: Positions the stomach above the esophagus, increasing reflux risk.
d) Sleeping flat: Offers no advantage against reflux.
If you need further information:
. Anatomical Positioning of the Stomach and Esophagus
The stomach is positioned slightly to the left side of the body, with its lower portion angled downward. When a person lies on their left side, the stomach’s position naturally remains lower than the esophagus.
This positioning allows gravity to help keep gastric contents (including stomach acid) where they belong—in the stomach. In contrast, when lying on the right side, the stomach is positioned higher than the esophagus, making it easier for acid to flow back into the esophagus (acid reflux).
2. Pressure on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES)
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach that typically prevents acid from refluxing back into the esophagus.
When sleeping on the left side, the LES is less likely to be compromised, which helps reduce the likelihood of acid reflux. Conversely, sleeping on the right side may relax the LES and increase the chances of acid flowing into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn.
3. Impact on Gastric Emptying
The position of the body affects how quickly the stomach empties. When lying on the left side, the stomach’s outlet (the pylorus) is lower, promoting more efficient stomach emptying and reducing the chances of gastric acid regurgitating into the esophagus.
If a person is lying on their right side, the stomach’s outlet is higher, which can lead to delayed gastric emptying, increasing the chances of acid reflux.
4. Gastric Acidity and Esophageal Exposure
Sleeping on the left side has been shown to decrease the acid exposure in the esophagus compared to sleeping on the right side. This position can help reduce symptoms of GERD like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort, especially in individuals who suffer from nighttime reflux.
5. Additional Benefits:
Left-sided sleep can also be less likely to trigger the relaxation of the LES, an effect that can be more pronounced when lying on the right side.
Some people with GERD also find that sleeping on the left side allows for better digestion, reducing bloating and discomfort.
Practical Recommendations:
People with GERD or acid reflux can incorporate left-side sleeping into their routine, possibly with the head of the bed slightly elevated to further reduce the likelihood of reflux.
It is often suggested that people avoid lying on their back or right side, as both positions can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
