Ever get butterflies in your stomach before an event or have that sinking feeling when something is about to happen? It's because of the extensive network of neurons (nerves) known as the second brain that line our gut (large intestine). This important area of the body is not only responsible for the digestion of our food, making it possible for the body to absorb and use what we eat, but it's only recently that scientists have begun to discover the full extent of the vital relationship of the gut to our biological and psychological health.
Technically known as the enteric nervous system the second brain contains some100 million neurons, more than in either the spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system. Miraculously equipped with its own reflexes and senses, the second brain can control gut behavior independently of the brain. And scientists were shocked to learn that about 90 percent of the fibers in the primary visceral nerve, the vagus, carry information from the gut to the brain and not the other way around. Although its influence is far-reaching, the second brain is not the seat of any conscious thoughts or decision-making. (Scientific American). Such a clever design that our two brains have very distinct but interconnected functions in the body.
As if it wasn't astounding enough that the gut functions independently from the brain of the central nervous system to provide for nourishment and elimination of waste, about 70% of our immune system resides in the large intestine as well. Inside the digestive system, the enteric nervous system mainly communicates with bacteria. These are completely separate creatures that make up our microbiome, and there are just as many of them inside of us as our own human cells! This biomass of bacteria communicates with important neurotransmitters embedded throughout our enteric nervous system to send messages that influence the way we feel (Psychology Today).
This is where the research on the second brain starts to get really interesting from a bodymind point of view. Sure the connection to our nutrition and ability to fight off foreign invaders is key to a healthy body, but recent studies show that the enteric nervous system might also play a role in surprising diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and even Autism. And it has been proven that the gut is connected to the stress response in the body as well as depression and anxiety-- everyday emotional well-being may rely on messages from the brain below to the brain above to determine physical and emotional responses to our environment (Scientific American).
The enteric nervous system in the gut uses more than 30 neurotransmitters, just like the brain, and in fact 95 percent of the body's serotonin is found in the bowels. We know that the serotonin found in the brain is an important neurotransmitter associated with wellbeing (the "happy" chemical). It is believed to help regulate mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire and function. Altered levels of serotonin are also associated with chronic depression and anxiety disorders. An estimated 30 million Americans (one in every eight people over the age of 12) are currently taking antidepressants (SSRIs- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The use of these drugs has skyrocketed over the last 15 years. But it's hard to know how to regulate the precise amount of serotonin needed in the body unless we do it naturally. And research has shown that gut-healthy food and regular exercise are at least as effective as serotonin-enhancing drugs.
Once again, more and more evidence is emerging to underscore the importance of making choices about how we care for our bodies for the overall health and wellbeing of the entire, integrated bodymind. Especially key to the efficient natural functioning of the human organism is to attend to what we put into our bodies and our intimate understanding of the unique interplay of our particular bodily systems. To this end, the second brain is critical. There is evidence that a healthy gut can curb inflammation and cortisol levels, lower your reaction to stress, improve memory, and even reduce neuroticism and social anxiety (Psychology Today).
As we strive daily towards self-mastery, taking up the challenge first in the body will reflect in every other aspect of our lives. This goes beyond our attention to our appearance and physical persona and requires a commitment to taking care of ourselves from the inside out. The fact that our intuition (gut instincts) and emotional states as well as unconscious messages sent from the gut to the brain that influence our personality and the way we respond to the events of our lives all originate in the gut, is compelling motivation indeed. And I'm sure by now you've made the connection that this area of the body is also the seat of energy (the Dan Tien, the core) for all of the activities of our lives and where life originates and develops. Pretty exciting stuff. The miraculous design of the human body.
If you're interested in learning more about this critical bodymind phenomenon there's a great documentary on Amazon Prime called The Gut: Our Second Brain. And check back in on Sunday for my Quick Read when I will address natural ways to increase serotonin and improve gut health as well as delving into widespread gluten intolerance that has made its way to the forefront of health conversations lately. In the meantime, choose gratitude for the rest of your week and as always, Mind Your Body.
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