Discovering your Second Brain
The gut and brain have a proven ability to communicate via the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system. Because of this many refer to the gut as our second brain. We know that the brain has a direct effect on the stomach. For example, the very thought of eating can release the stomach's juices before food gets there. But what you may not realize is that this connection goes both ways. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Your Gut Is Intricately Connected to Your Brain Your enteric nervous system is embedded in the wall of your gut, and works both independently of, and in conjunction with the brain in your head. Your enteric nervous system (ENS) contains 500 million neurons, and is thought to be largely responsible for your "gut instincts," responding to environmental threats and sending information that affects your well-being, to your brain. This communication between your ...