Did you know that our gut and brain are connected?
People often use phrases such as “gut-wrenching”, “feeling nauseous” or “butterflies in the stomach”. Our gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotions such as anger, anxiety, sadness, happiness, and many more, as all of these feelings can trigger symptoms in the gut.
The gut-brain connection is not a myth. It can link anxiety and stomach issues.
How is our brain directly connected to our stomach and intestines?
Our digestive system is closely connected to our brain. When we think about eating, our stomach releases digestive juices. Similarly, when our brain is troubled, it sends signals to our stomach. If our gut is problematic, our brain receives signals from it.
If a person is experiencing intestinal difficulty, it may be due to anxiety, stress, or depression. This means that our emotional and mental state can have a significant impact on our digestive health.
The gut and the brain communicate with each other through various means such as the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system. This communication system is known as the gut-brain axis. These two vital organs are connected both physically and biochemically in multiple ways.
Pavlov, a scientist, experimented to test a phenomenon. He used a bell as a neutral stimulus and gave food to dogs while ringing the bell. After repeating the procedure, he rang the bell without providing food to the dogs. He observed that the dogs started salivating on their own, indicating a new conditioned response. This experiment proved that an object or event can trigger a conditioned response. For instance, the sight or smell of a particular food can release enzymes in the body, which aid in the process of digestion.
The gut and brain are connected through neurotransmitters
Our brain produces feelings and emotions through neurotransmitters. Scientists have discovered that our second brain, located in our gut, communicates with our brain and plays a significant role in our overall health.
Hunger and satiety are controlled by the brain, and the presence or absence of food in the gut affects the gut environment. The food we eat can also affect our thinking skills and memory. Dried fruits and nuts can help increase concentration and memory. Therefore, it is often said that eating good food can put us in a good mood.
Conclusion
To sum it up, our gut and brain have a strong connection. When we feel emotions like happiness or stress, our stomach can react. The gut talks to the brain through nerves, hormones, and the immune system, creating what scientists call the gut-brain axis.
When we think about eating, our stomach gets ready with digestive juices. Similarly, when our brain is troubled, it sends signals to our stomach. This means our feelings can affect our digestive health.
Eating good food, like dried fruits and nuts, can even boost our thinking and memory.