Two heads are better than one
Or more specifically, two brains! It turns out we have a “second brain” located in our gut (is it really that surprising, considering how similar-looking our brain is to our gut?).
Remember how we have a bundle of nerves running throughout our bodies? Well the third component of our autonomic nervous system is the enteric nervous system (ENS) that contains more than one hundred million nerve cells in and around the digestive tract. From the esophagus down to the anus, the ENS is an integral part of the gut-brain axis. It is the bidirectional communication link connecting our first (AKA, head) brain to our second (AKA, gut) brain.
So what does this all mean? It means that the ENS (our gut) is not only a helper in our digestive processes, but also plays a huge role in our emotional well-being. For example, being constantly anxious or stressed can affect your stomach and intestines, and an imbalanced GM can send neurotransmitters to your brain which can cause anxiety or depression.
Understanding this connection between our two brains is so important when we’re practicing self-health. I find such relief in that there is scientific and biological explanation behind our gut instincts or the butterflies we feel in certain situations.
The next time you find yourself in fight-or-flight mode, try to also pay attention to how your gut is feeling. I can certainly remember times in the past when I felt nervous, I often had the urge to do a number two. It was almost instantaneous. Or when I was anxious or worried, my appetite was nonexistent.
In times when you’re unable to pin point any gut issue to an external source, you may want to consider looking outside of the plate (i.e. can stress be playing a role?). Diet and nutrition can affect our physical health, for sure, but equally important is how we navigate life from a mental standpoint. It really is a two-way thing.
Jumpstart your gut health and achieve vitality by downloading my free guide here! If you’re ready to gain energy, clarity and high levels of serotonin, I’d love to help. Book your free Gut Check Sesh here and let’s make it happen!
