Revitalizing Your Horse's Health: The Importance of Balance in the Gut-Brain Axis  

Total Gut health in horses is a complex and seemingly fickle issue.  Problems like ulcers and colic are all too common, and the standard solution is specific to the problem - usually to reduce the amount of gastric acid produced.  This has been shown to have obvious negative knock on effects that can eventually lead to other severe health issues.  As a result, many horses can find themselves stuck in a cycle of discomfort, perpetuating the conditions for the gut-brain axis to create recurring physical and behavioral health problems. 

So, what natural options exist to help resolve this? The ideal answers should promote proper gut-brain axis balance in not only treating the symptoms but also approaching the root cause of the issue.  By encouraging a horse’s own immune system to join the fight, we can create a better environment to pursue and maintain optimal health. 

Let’s explore why this gut-brain axis is so important and how it can revitalize your horse’s health and improve their overall well-being for today, tomorrow and beyond. 

The Crucial Role of the Gut-Brain Axis in Equine Health

The balance of your horse’s gut-brain axis is crucial for their overall health, influencing everything from immune to behavioral to metabolic function. A balanced and effective digestive tract ensures that your horse can adequately absorb nutrients, sustain energy levels and perform optimally.  Furthermore with 80% of the immune system in the GI tract, it is difficult to achieve gut health without immune health.

Overview of Equine Digestive System

Horses are non-ruminant herbivores with a distinct digestive tract structured to maximize forage consumption.  A relatively small stomach leads to a complex hind gut that enables digestion largely through fermentation. When horses chew fibrous plant materials, their digestive process begins in the mouth.  The food then moves through the esophagus to the stomach, which is meant to process food frequently given the relatively small size of a horse’s stomach and tendency to consistently produce gastric acid.

From there, the digested food enters the small intestine (also known as the hindgut), where most nutrient absorption takes place. The remaining material moves into the large intestine, including the colon and cecum where fermentation occurs using the horse’s microbiota. This fermentation is important for breaking down fibrous materials and extracting additional nutrients needed for health. 

The Importance of Gut Microbiota 

The Microbiota is a diverse community of trillions of microorganisms that occupy the GI tract , containing a diverse set of bacteria, fungi and protozoa which reside in the digestive tract. 

These organisms help to break down complex carbohydrates, aid in nutrient absorption, and support the overall health of the digestive system.        

Studies have also shown specific bacteria in the gut contribute to behaviors like aggression, stereotypies, and spookiness.  Furthermore, the interactions between the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus (PVN) and the microbiota via the Vagus Nerve are shown to affect:

• Diet and Stress-Related Disorders
  Horses are prone to conditions like colic, gastric ulcers, and laminitis, all of which can be influenced by PVN-mediated stress and feeding behavior. Changes in microbiota during stress may exacerbate these conditions.
  

• Behavior-Gut Interactions
  Behavioral issues in horses (e.g., cribbing, weaving) might be linked to dysbiosis caused by chronic stress, mediated through PVN and HPA axis activation.
  

• Immune Modulation and Inflammation
  The gut microbiota interacts with the immune system, and PVN dysregulation can impair gut-associated immune responses, leading to higher susceptibility to infections and inflammatory conditions.

Signs Your Horse’s Gut-Brain Axis is out of Balance

There are generic signs you should keep an eye out for to see if you need to try and restore balance to your horse's gut health via the Gut-Brain Axis. 

1. Decreased performance: A decline in performance or reluctance to work can be related to digestive discomfort.

2. Weight loss: Struggling to gain or maintain weight despite adequate feeding can indicate digestive inefficiencies.

3. Behavior changes: Anxious behavior, irritability, or sensitivity when tacking up may be linked to gut health problems. 

4. Poor body condition: A horse with poor gut health may have a dull coat or skin irregularities like lumps or bumps.  Topline and musculature may be underdeveloped as well. 

5. Dehydration: Extreme diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to shock. 

6. Colic: A common digestive issue that causes abdominal pain. Colic can be caused by gas, indigestion, a twisted gut, or impaction. 

Benefits of Gut-Brain Axis Balance

Maintaining optimal gut health is essential for your horse's overall well-being and performance. Achieving balance to the gut-brain axis can offer several benefits:

• Promote Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: A balanced gut microbiome improves the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, leading to better body condition and gastric support for horses. 

• Promote Energy Levels: Efficient digestion and nutrient absorption contribute to higher energy levels, improving a horse's vitality, and activity. 

• Promote & Support Immune Function: A healthy gut supports the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.

• Reduced Risk of Digestive Disorders: Maintaining gut health helps prevent conditions like colic, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea. 

The Best Solution for Gut-Brain Axis Balance: Immunovet EQ

Immunovet EQ provides unmatched gastric support for horses. It uses FWGE (Fermented Wheat Germ Extract), a naturally derived and well-studied ingredient that helps promote and support GI, Immune health, and metabolic function.

Through a special fermentation process, the wheat germ is combined with yeast and enhanced for improved nutrient absorption and enriched with bioactive compounds that don’t occur without the two being fermented together.  Immunovet EQ supports gut-brain axis balance, promotes microbiota balance and overall well-being. Its all-natural formula is safe for horses of all ages.  No other product on the market uses this active ingredient. 

Key Ingredients in Immunovet 

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (FWGE)

FWGE is rich in naturally occurring bioactive compounds that are created during the fermentation process and have been studied for their role in digestive and immune health. These compounds are unique to FWGE and not found in other supplements or feeds on the market today.  Immunovet is easily digestible, and allows horses to get the most out of their nutrition.  FWGE has been shown to activate responses in the PVN of the Hypothalamus which is directly tied to the regulation of stress, metabolism, immune modulation and inflammation.  The following compounds found in FWGE (Immunovet) can directly cross the Blood Brain Barrier.

1. 2-Methoxy-p-benzoquinone (2-MBQ)

• Primary bioactive compound in FWGE.

• Crosses the blood-brain barrier due to its small size and lipophilic properties.

• Effects on the brain:

• Modulates cellular metabolism and oxidative stress.

• Potential neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative damage in neurons.

• May interact with cellular redox systems and inhibit glycolysis, which could influence brain energy metabolism.

2. Ferulic Acid Derivatives

• Ferulic acid and its esters have been identified in FWGE. These compounds are known to cross the BBB in other contexts.

• Effects on the brain:

• Strong antioxidant properties.

• Neuroprotective effects through inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

• Can modulate neuronal inflammation and protect against neurodegenerative processes.

3. Polyphenols

• Some polyphenols in FWGE can cross the BBB, especially those with a lower molecular weight.

• Effects on the brain:

• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

• Influence on neuroinflammatory pathways and modulation of neurotransmitter systems.

4. Amino Acid Derivatives

• FWGE may contain small peptides and amino acid derivatives that can cross the BBB.

• Effects on the brain:

• May help reduce neuroinflammation and support cellular metabolism.

Compounds Unlikely to Cross the BBB

1. Polysaccharides and larger molecular compounds 

These typically do not cross the BBB but can influence the brain indirectly through the gut-brain axis by modulating systemic inflammation and immune responses.

2. Fibers

Fiber supports regular digestion by maintaining gut motility and providing a steady energy source. It is a key part of an equine diet to help maintain digestive balance.

3. Minerals

Minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and calcium contribute to various bodily functions, including digestive enzyme activity. They are important for maintaining gut function and overall equine well-being.

How to Balance the Gut-Brain Axis Long-Term in Horses?

Ensuring your horse's gut stays healthy over the long term is vital for their overall health and performance. 

Here are some essential tips to keep their digestive system in top shape.

1. Provide a High-Fiber Diet: Ensure your horse has constant access to high-quality forage ad libitum, such as hay or pasture.  Fiber is crucial for promoting beneficial gut microbes and supporting digestion in the Microbiota.  Leaning down to eat is needed as much as possible.

2. Avoid Sudden Dietary Changes: Introduce any new feeds or supplements gradually over 7-10 days to allow the gut flora to adjust, reducing the risk of digestive upset. 

3. Regular Exercise: Engage your horse in consistent physical activity to promote healthy gut motility and overall digestive function. 

4. Use Immunovet EQ: Consider the supplement that actively promotes balance in the Gut-Brain Axis, such as Immunovet EQ, through its unique bioactive compounds and essential nutrients for consistent GI tract support.

Conclusion 

Revitalizing your horse’s health starts with the gut-brain axis. Balancing the Gut-Brain Axis helps improve digestion, leading to better performance, a shinier coat, a stronger immune system, and a happier, more energetic horse. 

Immunovet’s FWGE can help by giving a horse’s digestive system the care it needs.  You’re not just promoting their health—you’re supporting that they feel and look their best every day inside and out! 

For more ways to support your horse’s gut health, visit Immunovet and explore our supplements designed for digestive and immune support.

FAQs

Q: Why is gut health important for my horse’s overall well-being? 

Gut health helps horses maintain a strong appetite, ensuring they eat enough forage and feed to meet their nutritional needs. Efficient digestion is also crucial for properly utilizing the nutrients from their diet.

Q: How do I know if my horse needs a gut health reset?

If you notice loose stools, weight loss, decreased performance, mild colic, behavioral changes, poor appetite, a dull coat, or difficulty maintaining weight despite adequate feeding your horse’s gut-brain axis is likely off kilter.. 

Q: What benefits can I expect after completing a gut health reset? 

After a gut health reset, you may experience improved digestion, increased energy, better mood, regular bowel movements, stronger immunity, and reduced inflammation.

Q: What are the key ingredients in gut health supplements for horses?

Horse gut health supplements typically include probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and other ingredients that promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Q: How can I ensure my horse maintains good gut health after a reset?

To maintain good gut health after a reset, provide a balanced diet, consistent, probiotics, and regular veterinary check-ups.

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