Making the Brain Gut Connection

Universally, we as humans share the satisfaction of sitting down to a meal. It is part of our very nature. We take time to think about the restaurant we will go to, or about the meal that we will prepare. The brain gut connection is hardwired into us.

Even if you don't cook, chances are you enjoy eating, as our bodies are programmed that way. Before food touches our mouths, our bodies are working on ways to digest. When you just think about eating, your body will begin secreting insulin in response to the expectation that glucose will be entering the body.

If you are chopping up your favorite meal and using seasonings, the smell will reach your senses and your body will get the message, triggered by your parasympathetic nervous system, to begin producing saliva to help you digest your food. Our bodies understand that digestion of foods is as important as the food itself. If we cannot digest the food we eat, it is of no use to us as fuel to sustain our bodies.

Your Second Brain: The Enteric Nervous System

If you have ever experienced a need to rush to the bathroom for a bowel movement from a stressful situation, that is due to the fact that your nervous system and your stomach are connected.

The enteric nervous system, or ENS, has also been referred to as the second little brain. It is a nervous system that moves through the digestive system and is directly connected to the brain through the vagus nerve. Fun fact: the ENS makes more neurotransmitters than the brain.

So why is it so important to understand this second brain? The ENS is large and complex, and is able to coordinate the GI function independently of the central nervous system. This all means that an ENS dysfunction can be linked to digestive disorders.

The gut and the brain are in constant communication, and when there is dysfunction in the gut, it can lead to dysfunction in our mood and actions of the brain. Research shows that 70 to 90 percent of people with IBS also experience some sort of mood or anxiety disorder. Dysbiosis in the gut can lead directly to behavioral and mood changes. Leaky gut has been linked to mental dysfunction, including depression, fatigue, confusion, and poor memory.

The Vagus Nerve: Your Body's Telephone Line

The ENS is connected to the brain by the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex of the cranial nerves as it runs from the brain to the face, thorax, and abdomen. In simple terms, it is the telephone line connecting the brain and the gut.

Through research we know that the vagus nerve can be stimulated to respond to relaxation. When the vagus nerve senses relaxation with slowed breathing, it sends the message to the brain to relax. When you are stressed and holding your breath, the opposite message gets relayed. Hence the need to rush to the bathroom in intense situations.

When your body gets the message that you are stressed and in a hurry, it reroutes your resources from digesting to your extremities because it thinks that you are in a fight or flight situation.

The ENS has two layers which control muscles and neurotransmitters. It is interesting to note that it is connected to both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems of the body.

Neurotransmitters: Your Mood's Chemical Messengers

Neurotransmitters are the body's chemical messengers, and these messengers control our mood.

Serotonin, for example, is a neurotransmitter that is key in stabilizing our mood and feeling of well-being and happiness. And 90 percent of the serotonin produced in the body comes from the digestive system, as it also has the job of peristalsis, which is moving your digestive system forward.

There are numerous other neurotransmitters that also help to regulate mood, all of which are produced in the GI system.

The Connection You Can't Ignore

Mood and digestive function are linked together in biological processes of the body and should not be overlooked when you are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, or psychiatric diseases.

At MyNaturowellness, I see this connection every single day. Patients come to me with digestive complaints like IBS, Crohn's disease, or chronic bloating, and we discover that they're also dealing with anxiety, depression, or brain fog. Or they come for mood issues and we find significant gut dysfunction.

This isn't a coincidence. It's biology.

Nutrition is key in healing areas of the GI system in order to reverse symptoms of IBS and support mental health. As always, it is most important to look at root causes for the issues. This includes pathology, meaning invasion of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Trauma, both physical and emotional. Genetics. And environmental toxicity factors, which includes the air we breathe and the food we eat.

What This Means for Your Health

If you've been struggling with digestive issues, mood disorders, or both, understanding the brain gut connection is essential. Your gut is literally producing the chemicals that affect your mood, your energy, your sleep, and your mental clarity.

When we work together at MyNaturowellness, we don't just look at your digestive symptoms in isolation. We look at the whole picture. How is your mood? How is your stress level? What's your sleep like? Are you experiencing anxiety or brain fog?

Because healing your gut can transform your mental and emotional health. And supporting your nervous system can heal your digestive issues.

Remember, two brains are better than one. When we support both your gut and your brain through proper nutrition, stress management, and addressing root causes, your entire body benefits.

Take the Next Step

If you're dealing with digestive issues, mood disorders, anxiety, or a combination of symptoms that just don't seem connected, they probably are. The brain gut connection is real, and it's powerful.

I'd love to help you understand what's happening in your body and create a personalized plan to support both your gut and your brain. You can visit www.mynaturowellness.com to schedule an appointment and talk about your health goals.

Because you deserve to feel mentally clear, emotionally balanced, and physically comfortable. And with the right support, you can.