GUT-BRAIN AXIS
The gut-brain axis refers to the communication network between the gut and brain. The gut–brain axis is the biochemical signaling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and the central nervous system (CNS). Broadly defined, the gut-brain axis includes the central nervous system, neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis), sympathetic and parasympathetic arms of the autonomic nervous system, including the enteric nervous system and the vagus nerve, and the gut microbiota....puh.
What that basically means is that there is an important connection between the centers of the brain and the gut. When in love, we get butterflies in our stomach or if the nerves really hit before taking an exam, we might get diarrhea. Our brain and gut are in constant contact as we undergo experiences in our daily lives. And what has been discovered is that not only can your brain send signals and messages to your gut (feeling nauseous to your stomach because you are nervous) your microbiome (collection of bacteria in your gut) can also send it’s calm or upset state of being back to your nervous system, and back to your brain. Which means that your intestinal flora, the living creatures found in your gut are not only influenced by your brain, your brain are influenced by your gut too.
Your vagus nerve, the longest of the 12 brain nerves, is the most important informaton canal between the cells in your stomach (the enteric nervous system) and your central nervous system (brain). The bacteria in the gut is shown to impact and stimulate this vagus nerve in a way that affect the brain directly.
No wonder why our gut is called the second brain huh? And no wonder why it’s of such importance to have a healthy gut! Because what you eat doesn’t only affect your physical wellbeing, but also your mental wellbeing. This whole gut-brain connection is one of the explanations of why mental disorders like depression and anxiety are linked to what we eat, because as you see, your gut affects what happens at the top floor.
