Have you ever experienced “butterflies in your stomach” when facing nervousness or excitement? Perhaps you’ve encountered a situation where your gut instinct told you something profound, and you couldn’t ignore it.
As it turns out, there’s a fascinating scientific basis behind these gut feelings. They may very well originate from your “secret brain” hidden within your digestive system, known as the enteric nervous system. This intricate network comprises over 100 million cells lining your gastrointestinal tract, extending from the esophagus to the rectum. What’s equally intriguing is how profoundly your dietary choices and stress levels can impact this “secret brain.”
Your “secret brain” maintains a dynamic, two-way dialogue with the brain in your head, establishing what scientists call the “gut-brain axis.” This axis is an astonishingly complex system involving hormones, nerves, bodily fluids, your immune system, and more. Remarkably, approximately 90% of the communication travels from your gut to your brain, while a mere 10% goes the other way.
Researchers are diligently investigating how imbalances or irritations within your gut lining and microbiome can exert far-reaching effects, not only on your brain but on your overall well-being. Within your gut reside an astonishing 100 trillion bacteria, encompassing over 1,000 known strains. However, only a handful of these strains predominantly constitute a healthy gut.
When these bacteria lose their equilibrium, often due to factors such as poor dietary choices, certain medications like antibiotics, stress, and exposure to toxins, they can wreak havoc far beyond the digestive system. One notable consequence is mood disruption, as your gut plays a pivotal role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which profoundly influence your emotional state.
But the significance of a harmonious gut extends beyond mood. There are well-established connections between gut-related issues and conditions like autism, anxiety, and depression, and scientists continue to unravel more intricate links. Consider irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a prevalent condition affecting up to 45 million individuals in the United States alone. IBS isn’t solely a gastrointestinal problem; it’s recognized as a gut-brain disorder due to its association with depression, anxiety, and imbalances in the gut microbiome.
So, how can you keep your “secret brain” system content and in harmony with your overall health? The answer lies in adopting a gut-friendly lifestyle:
- Reduce or eliminate sugar and processed foods from your diet.
- Incorporate fiber-rich and probiotic-laden fermented foods.
- Prioritize stress management techniques.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night.
If you’re grappling with severe or chronic gut-related issues, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Even if you’re only contemplating making positive lifestyle changes, initiating a conversation with your doctor is a worthwhile endeavor. After all, the path to optimal health often begins with nurturing your “secret brain” in your gut.
Make it an amazing day,
Keith, Michelle & More Team
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