The Enduring Footprint: How Trauma Shapes Biology Beyond the Psyche
Thanks to all of you who left a review on Google! If you haven't done so you can click here. A large part of my work, from a Functional or Eastern medicine standpoint, involves working with individuals who suffer from the sequelae of trauma (manifesting as anxiety, depression, PTSD, GI issues, chronic pain, and fatigue, etc.). Psychological trauma, encompassing experiences of violence, abuse, neglect, or threat to life, leaves a deep imprint not just on the mind, but on the very biology of the individual. This newsletter delves into the biological underpinnings of trauma, exploring how it impacts the nervous system, stress hormones, and gut function, with a specific focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). I was inspired by listening to the Biology of Trauma podcast by Dr Amie Apigian. ?
? Please remember that none of this is personalized medical advice and is only offered as information/education.?You should always work with a board certified medical professional to adjust your supplementation or behaviors.??
The Stressed Nervous System and the Hyperactive Amygdala
During a traumatic event, the amygdala, the brain's alarm center, becomes hyperactive, triggering the sympathetic nervous system's "fight-or-flight" response. A cascade of stress hormones like cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine surges, leading to heightened alertness, increased heart rate, and muscle tension to prepare for immediate action. However, chronic or repeated trauma can leave the amygdala hyper-sensitized, resulting in hypervigilance and difficulty discerning between genuine threats and perceived ones. This dysregulation in the nervous system can manifest as anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.
The Impact on Gene Expression and Neuroplasticity
Trauma can even leave an imprint on gene expression. Studies suggest that traumatic experiences can alter DNA methylation patterns, influencing how genes are expressed. This epigenetic modification can potentially explain heightened vulnerability to stress and mental health disorders in trauma survivors. However, the brain is also equipped with neuroplasticity, the ability to adapt and change. By harnessing this inherent capacity, therapeutic interventions can promote healing and resilience.
The Amygdala and the Hijacked Fight-or-Flight Response
During a traumatic event, the amygdala, the brain's primary fear center, becomes hyperactive. This triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, leading to a surge in stress hormones like cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These hormones enhance alertness, increase heart rate and respiration, and prepare the body for immediate action. However, in chronic or repeated trauma, the amygdala can become hyper-sensitized, leading to hypervigilance and difficulty discerning between genuine threats and perceived ones. This heightened state of arousal can manifest as anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.
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Glutamate Imbalance and the Impacted Hippocampus
The hippocampus, a critical structure for memory and emotional regulation, also suffers the consequences of trauma. Glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, becomes dysregulated following traumatic experiences. This can lead to excitotoxicity, a state of excessive neuronal activity that damages and even kills brain cells. Studies show decreased hippocampal volume in trauma survivors, potentially contributing to memory problems, difficulties with spatial navigation, and impaired emotional regulation.
Cortisol and the Gut-Brain Connection: A Link to IBS
Trauma can trigger a chronic elevation of cortisol, the "stress hormone." This disrupts the body's natural homeostasis and weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and chronic illnesses, including IBS. Chronically high cortisol levels are also known to affect brain cells' health. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and/or constipation. While the exact cause of IBS remains elusive, research suggests a strong link between the gut microbiome, the nervous system, and the stress response. Chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and altered gut motility, both contributing to IBS symptoms. IBS-C (Constipation Dominant IBS) has been connected with ACEs (see below).
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Long-Term Health Risks
ACEs encompass a range of potentially traumatic experiences in childhood like abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Research has shown a significant association between ACE scores and a higher risk of developing various health problems in adulthood, including IBS, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Early life trauma can have a lasting impact on the developing brain, potentially influencing stress hormone regulation, immune function, and gut health, ultimately increasing vulnerability to these chronic conditions later in life.
Conclusion: Towards Biologically Informed Trauma Treatment
Understanding the biological underpinnings of trauma offers a deeper understanding of its far-reaching effects. By acknowledging the impact on the nervous system, stress hormones, and gut function, a more comprehensive treatment approach can be developed (in particular using Functional and Eastern Medicine). Biologically informed therapies can integrate techniques that address nervous system dysregulation, promote stress management, and potentially influence gut health through dietary interventions or gut microbiome restoration methods. This integrated approach holds promise for promoting healing and resilience in individuals who have experienced trauma. If you or someone you know suffers from the sequelae of trauma, I invite you to get in touch as I am part of a team of practitioners ranging from psychotherapists to neurofeedback and somatic experiencing practitioners (and a facility where I work takes insurance!)
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