It’s more than just a feeling, it’s an actual reality of the communication between the brain and the gut aka the digestive system. It’s not just a metaphor when we experience those “gut feelings” or “gut instincts”; the mind and gut is connected through a vast network of neurons, hormones and chemicals. The gut, also known as the second brain encompasses the enteric nervous system which spans from top to bottom literally and figuratively. It promptly reports when hunger arises, when stressors are present, or when the microbiome has been compromised.
The communication of the gut happens through a branch of the Central Nervous System (CNS) called the Autonomic Nervous System made up of the sympathetic (fight or flight response) and parasympathetic nervous (rest and digest response) systems. Functions of this system include regulating breathing, heart rate and digestion. Through this system, the body is able to moderate how and when to digest food. This part of the nervous system works involuntarily and does so to maintain balance throughout the body. The gut responds based off what the body is experiencing: emotionally, physically, and environmentally.
Although the second brain is not responsible for decision making or thought processing, it does have a huge role in influencing emotions. Point in hand, when someone becomes excited or nervous about something, the extensive neuron network can stimulate that butterfly feeling or pit feeling within the abdomen. Recent studies have found that not only the brain has an understanding of what the gut bacteria are doing, but these bacteria can affect mood, perception and even influence behavior. Hence the importance of mindful of nutrition consumption. How the body breaks down these nutrients will directly affect the microbiome and neurotransmitters such as serotonin which heavily influences mood regulation. Food for thought (pun intended): individuals who are on antidepressants should be warned that a common side effect of something that is supposed to affect your mind, may cause gastrointestinal issues due to the large amount of serotonin receptors found in the gut.
Not only does the gut control digestion and affect mood regulation, but it can also be one of the foundations where many diseases originate. Because of its close interaction with the CNS, it’s important to ensure that all interference within the nervous system is cleared first. However, if it is not, diseases can become more prevalent. Seventy percent of immune function is sourced from the gut. When gut health is compromised by either food choice or stress, it lowers the immune response making the body extremely susceptible to any attack that was previously kept at bay. So a word to the wise, make sure your nutrition is up to par, your nervous system is in check and your stress is well managed to ensure that your gut is helping to defend you in all the right ways.
IN HEALTH,
DR. GABRIELLE SHAW