DGBI Digital - Brain-Gut Interaction Learning
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Let's Learn About DGBI!

What is the Brain-Gut Interaction?

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Brain
Gut
Did you know? Your intestines have their own nervous system, lovingly called your 'little brain,' as it has approximately 500 million neurons running through it with direct connections to the brain?
Diagnoses that fall under DGBI

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IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

(IBS)

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IBS Symptoms:

  • Belly pain or cramping
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Bloating and gas
  • Changes in bowel habits
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Dyspepsia

Functional Dyspepsia

(Indigestion)

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Dyspepsia Symptoms:

  • Upper belly pain or discomfort
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Bloating after meals
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Abdominal Pain

Functional Abdominal Pain

(Belly Pain)

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Abdominal Pain Symptoms:

  • Ongoing belly pain
  • Pain not related to eating
  • Pain affects daily activities
  • No clear physical cause
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CVS

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

(CVS)

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CVS Symptoms:

  • Episodes of intense vomiting
  • Nausea between episodes
  • Can last hours or days
  • Pattern repeats over time
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Aerophagia

Aerophagia

(Swallowing Air)

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Aerophagia Symptoms:

  • Excessive burping
  • Swallowing too much air
  • Bloated belly
  • Gas and discomfort
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Other DGBI

Other DGBI Disorders

(And More!)

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Other Conditions Include:

  • Rumination syndrome
  • Infant regurgitation
  • Constipation disorders
  • And many others!
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What causes DGBI?

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Central Nervous System

Central Nervous System

Gut Microbiome

Gut Microbiome

Gut Motility

Gut Motility

Immune System

Immune System

Let's explore the different parts that make up your brain-gut connection!

Components of the DGBI Pathway

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Brain

Central Nervous System

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🦠

Gut Microbiome

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🚗

Gut Motility

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🛡️

Immune & Mucosal Function

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🧠 Central Nervous System & Visceral Hypersensitivity

📚 What research has shown:

Some studies have shown that patients with DGBI experience the same intestinal stimulation (cramping, bloating) more intensely than their peers without DGBI.

Think of it like this:

In some kids with DGBI, their brain acts like a microphone that makes tummy signals louder than usual — so small cramps feel extra big. Your gut sends signals to your brain all the time - like "I'm a little full" or "I'm digesting food." In some kids with DGBI, the brain receives these signals as if they were shouted through a megaphone! A tiny cramp might feel like a huge one.

Gut
Small signal
🎤
Brain
Calm

Normal sensitivity

💊 Treatments your doctor may suggest to address this:

  • Medications that reduce cramping
  • Diets that reduce gas and distension - low FODMAP diet
  • Studies have shown the most effective therapy in addressing this is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • Other treatments that may help calm the signals from your brain and gut include - TCA, hypnotherapy, yoga, acupuncture, IB-Stim

🧠 Retrain the mind, retrain the gut

(Click to learn more)

⭐ Most Effective Treatment

CBT remains the most effective treatment for this condition.

🦠 Gut Microbiome

What research has shown:

Some studies have shown differences in the gut bacteria between those with DGBI and those without DGBI.

Your gut has trillions of tiny helpers called bacteria that help play different important roles in your overall health. Together, they're called your microbiome.

These tiny helpers help you digest food, fight germs, and keep your gut happy. Scientists have found that in some people with DGBI, the mix of bacteria can be a little different.

Happy bacteria
Happy bacteria
Grumpy bacteria
Happy bacteria
Grumpy bacteria
Happy bacteria

💡 Tip: Click on any bacteria to see them dance!

We're still learning how to use this information to help — but some people find that taking probiotics or eating certain foods can make their symptoms better.

Treatments your doctor may suggest to address this:

  • Probiotics
  • Healthy diet

🚗 Gut Motility Disturbance

What research has shown:

Some studies have shown that changes in how stool moves through your intestines can contribute to DGBI symptoms.

For example, if things move too slowly through your gut you may experience constipation. If they move too quickly, you may experience diarrhea.

Your intestines move food through your body — but sometimes things move too fast or too slow.

🐢
Slow
Constipation
🐇
Fast
Diarrhea

Normal speed - everything moving just right! 👍

Treatments your doctor may suggest to address this:

  • Medications that help with constipation
  • Medications that help with diarrhea
  • Dietary changes: adding more fiber or water to diet, kiwis

🛡️ Altered Immune Dysfunction and Mucosal Membrane

What research has shown:

This is a new area of research, and little is still known, but some studies have shown differences in the make-up of the intestinal wall and the way immune cells interact with the gut in people with DGBI.

🔬

Scientists are still researching this component to understand how it affects DGBI symptoms.

Treatments your doctor may suggest to address this:

There is no specific treatment; research is still ongoing to understand the true impact of these findings on symptoms.

Understanding DGBI

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Understanding DGBI

DGBI is a complex condition, and scientists have not yet found the main cause of symptoms — but the good news is you can get help and feel better by treating both your brain and your gut.

Brain-Gut Games!

Play & Learn!

Test your brain-gut knowledge with these fun games!

Brain to Belly Quest

Brain to Belly Quest

Memory Munchies

Memory Munchies

Thinker Ticker

Thinker Ticker

🧠 Retrain the Mind, Retrain the Gut

Research has shown that children with DGBI may experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than their peers.

Research has also shown that anxiety and depressive symptoms can make DGBI symptoms worse.

CBT remains the most effective treatment for this condition.

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