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Your Gut Communicates Regularly with Your Brain

by | Jun 22, 2022 | Issues, Lifestyle, Special Issue - Dr. Beau Daniels | 0 comments

Did you know that your gut is constantly talking to your brain? Just think of how many times you've relied on the so-called 'gut feeling' before making a life-changing decision....

Did you know that your gut is constantly talking to your brain? Just think of how many times you’ve relied on the so-called ‘gut feeling’ before making a life-changing decision. Does the gut own the gift of foresight, telling us which road to take when at a crossroad?

The brain and gut are strongly connected. Your intestines contain more than 100 million nerve cells, almost as many as your spinal cord, which is why scientists call the large intestine the “second” brain. In fact, when it comes to understanding human behavior and development, the digestive system may serve a far more significant role than we previously thought.

 

How is the Gut Connected to the Brain?

The human gastrointestinal tract is lined with more than 100 million neurons. This dense concentration of nerve cells, known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), can operate independently of the brain and spinal cord. The ENS regulates digestive motility and secretions and communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through the vagus nerve, enteric plexuses and blood-borne signaling molecules.

The ENS is often referred to as the ‘brain in the gut’ because it can function independently of the CNS. In fact, many reflexes that regulate digestion are mediated by local circuits within the ENS. For example, when you eat something too hot, your gut sensors signal stomach wall muscles to expel the food before it burns you.

The ENS also coordinates complex digestive processes, such as peristalsis (i.e., the wavelike muscle contractions that push food through the gastrointestinal tract) and nutrient absorption. In addition, it regulates blood flow and fluid secretions in the gut and plays a role in immune function.

Together, the ENS and CNS coordinate digestion through a complex network of signals, hormones and neurotransmitters. The gut-brain connection is crucial for maintaining digestive health and overall well-being.

 

How Does the Gut Communicate with the Brain?

  • The gut produces about 95% of the body’s supply of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood, sleep regulation and appetite control. If you have poor gut health due to intestinal inflammation or bacterial imbalances, you can develop depression and other mental disorders as a result.
  • The vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen, is responsible for carrying information between the two organs. If your gut is in distress, you can experience anxiety, headaches and other physical symptoms.
  • Your gut bacteria also communicate with your brain by producing metabolites that influence mood and behavior. So, an unhealthy gut can significantly impact your brain, potentially leading to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Your gut communicates regularly with your brain and affects many aspects of human behavior and development.

 

Keeping Your Gut Healthy

It is essential to maintain a healthy gut for overall health and well-being. This is because your gut communicates regularly with your brain through a series of signals carried by the vagus nerve. This communication between your gut and brain can have a major impact on how you feel both mentally and physically.

You can do several things to keep your gut healthy and ensure that this communication functions correctly. Start by eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. In addition, you should avoid foods high in sugar or processed ingredients as they can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut.

Another key component of keeping your gut healthy is exercising regularly. Physical activity helps reduce inflammation in the body and can boost the activity of neurotransmitters and hormones needed for proper digestive function.

By keeping this relationship healthy through proper diet and healthful lifestyle choices, you can improve your mood, sleep better, reduce anxiety and depression and manage weight more effectively!

 

A Parting Reminder

While research is uncovering more about the link between gut health and mental health, there are some steps you can take to promote a healthy gut and ensure that this communication is functioning properly. Such steps include eating a diet rich in whole foods, avoiding processed foods with added chemicals and additives, getting regular exercise, managing stress levels and reducing overall inflammation in the body. With a bit of effort and dedication, you can ensure that your gut stays healthy and strong to enjoy good physical and mental well-being for years to come.

Drew B

Drew B

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