16. Gastrointestinal Disorders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe brain and the gastrointestinal system have independent nervous systems, hence the saying, “think with your gut.” A wide body of research points to a connection between the gut and the brain, and the onset of spina bifida interferes with the interaction of the two biological systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, patients may find that they start to develop gastrointestinal issues that cause stomach and GI discomfort. The child may experience cramping or problems with digestion. The gut is home to trillions of microbiomes that assimilate the nutrition from your food, shuttling it into the bloodstream<\/a>. Spina Bifida interrupts normal digestion and the onset of digestion issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHowever, kids with spina bifida experience a reduction in the signaling of digestion from the brain, resulting in improper digestion and the possibility of developing gastrointestinal issues. Improper digestion of food leads to malnutrition in the affected child, and they may start to experience development issues associated with improper nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n
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