Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Ellen G. White and the Gut-Brain Connection

Ellen G. White and the Gut-Brain Connection

I recently listened to a recorded presentation in which the speaker read the following quote from Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church:

If you are called upon to attend a council meeting, ask yourself whether your perceptive faculties are in a proper condition to weigh evidence. If you are not in a proper condition, if your brain is confused, you have no right to take part in the meeting. Are you fractious? Is your temper sweet and fragrant, or is it so disturbed and disagreeable that you will be led to make hasty decisions? Do you feel as though you would like to fight someone? Then do not go to the meeting; for if you go you will surely dishonor God. Take an ax and chop wood or engage in some physical exercise until your spirit is mild and easy to be entreated. Just as surely as your stomach is creating a disturbance in your brain, your words will create a disturbance in the assembly. More trouble is caused by disturbed digestive organs than many realize (Medical Ministry, p. 295, written in 1900).

My first reaction to this was that it is incredible wisdom. I also recognized that I would have benefited at times in the past if I had read this earlier and applied it, for there have been meetings I have attended that it would have been wiser for me to stay home. Thankfully, through God’s grace, I have learned to seek a sweet, calm, and kind temper when going to meetings; I have realized that when it’s likely that I will face severe disagreement in a meeting, the more I need to prepare my mind and heart before going.

But, the idea that the stomach and other digestive organs could be impacting the function of the brain really struck me—that a non-medical person in the year 1900 could connect one’s digestive function with brain function is somewhat incredible, for only recently has medical science discovered the gut-brain connection and the huge impact the microbiome of the gut has on brain function.

The adult gastrointestinal (GI) system contains a diverse community of various microorganisms (1 to 2 kilograms of bacteria), and the foods we eat directly impact which organisms thrive and which do not. And the organisms that live in our gut produce various byproducts of their metabolism that have an impact on our health and can actually interact with our physiology, producing either positive or negative effects.

Healthy bacteria improve our intestinal lining, reducing inflammation, whereas unhealthy bacteria contribute to leaky gut and increased inflammation, which contribute to a variety of health problems. Healthy bacteria produce brain neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin, and other psychoactive compounds that make it to the brain and improve our mood and resilience, whereas unhealthy bacteria do not. Volunteers who received Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 plus B longum for 30 days reported significantly lower stress levels than those who received a placebo. And 124 volunteers (mean age, 61.8 years) who consumed probiotic-containing yogurt for three weeks had significantly improved mood compared with those who received a placebo. [1]

Four studies involving 36,556 adults found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of depression by 33 percent compared to those on a regular American diet. At the other end of the spectrum, eating a pro-inflammatory diet high in fat, sugar, and processed food was linked with higher depression risk. [2]

As we gain weight and our BMI increases, the healthy bacteria Bacteroidetes decrease, and this is associated with greater rates of depression. [3]

Mental stress activates the body’s immune response, increasing inflammatory cytokines. This occurs because the body is perceiving, from the mental stress, potential external threats, much as would occur when a bear attacks, and activates the immune system to protect the person from bacterial or viral invaders in the same way if one were to be physically assaulted and had bite or claw marks. The body doesn’t know the difference between emotional/mental threats and real-world threats—such as an angry bear—and, thus, it responds with the same immune response.

The increasing inflammatory factors are intended to protect if one had invading bacteria or viruses, but since the increase is due to mental stress, these inflammatory factors instead cause problems to the body, such as insulin resistance, increasing the risk for type II diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and other metabolic problems.

Chronic mental stress, sending the signal to the body of a threat, puts the body into emergency mode, which not only activates the immune system, increasing the inflammatory factors, but it also increases intestinal permeability, which in times of real threat and injury improves absorption of water and sodium. However, if this is not resolved by reducing the mental stress and threat signal going to the body, it can result in “leaky gut” and an increase in endotoxins entering the bloodstream, which further increases inflammation, and that increased inflammation is transmitted to the brain contributing to further mental health problems, such as depression and an increased risk for Alzheimer’s dementia.

Healthy gut bacteria can help improve the intestinal epithelial barrier and studies show that pre- and probiotics help achieve this, with subsequent decrease in inflammation in the body and improvement in mood in individuals suffering from depression. [4] [5] [6]

A 2023 study comparing various diets and mood found that a plant-based diet was associated with positive mood.[7] This is most likely due to a combination of factors that include reducing inflammation from the food, improving gut bacteria and the neurotransmitters they release, improving gut health with improved intestinal lining and reduction in “leaky gut” and, thereby, decreased inflammation and subsequent improvement in metabolic health and reductions in obesity.

Amazing as it seems, the counsel given over 100 years ago is not only wise but scientifically accurate! I encourage you to choose to live in harmony with the laws of health and make healthy food choices—you will improve your overall health and likely experience better mental and emotional health as well.


[1] Biol Psychiatry. 2013:74;708-709, 720-726

[2] Lassale C, Batty GD, Baghdadli A, et al. Healthy dietary indices and risk of depressive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Molecular Psychiatry. 2018 September 26; [ePub ahead of print].

[3] Peirce, J., Alviña, K, The role of inflammation and the gut microbiome in depression and anxiety; The Journal of Neuroscience Research; Volume 97, Issue10; October 2019 p. 1223-1241. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24476

[4] Ibid.

[5] Improves CNS astrocyte function with decreased neuro-inflammation Peirce, J., Alviña, K, The role of inflammation and the gut microbiome in depression and anxiety; The Journal of Neuroscience Research; Volume 97, Issue10; October 2019 p. 1223-1241. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24476

[6] Kato‐Kataoka, A, et al., 2016 Applied and Environment Microbiology, 82(12), 3649–3658. https ://doi.org/10.1128/ AEM.04134-15.

[7] Food Funct., 2023, 14, 2326-2337 10.1039/D2FO02951K

 

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 73

I have been truly blessed by your blogs and other resources. They have helped me to see things in a much brighter light and to reason things out better. Thank you so much for your ministry. Whenever I have the opportunity I pass along your material to my friends.

R. Noseworthy, Newfoundland, Canada

Testimony 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 74

Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I’ve been through a lot of ministries that just didn’t show the love of God that I felt he was. You have helped me to begin the process of true healing. I thought I was “too far gone,” now I know there’s hope in Jesus, because he loves us beyond what we can comprehend. Thank you again for all you do. I truly appreciate it and pray more people find you (physical at your studio and through this website).

Dalio M.

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA