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 "two brains" runs both ways and is the pathway for how foods affect your mood. This means your unhealthy gut can be the cause of anxiety, stress, or depression - or vice versa where those symptoms may cause an unhealthy gut.

 Ever thought why fatty foods make you feel good? Science has shown that fatty acids are detected by the cell receptors in the lining of your gut, which then send those warm and fuzzy nerve signals to your brain.

 A reverse example is when you feel nauseous before giving a presentation, or feel stomach pain when you are mentally stressed. These commonplace symptoms are definitely not imagined or "all in your head."

 Food for thought!

 Feed your gut right, means feeding your brain right! 

 Scientists already believe that in the near future, we may be using good gut bacteria in the same way we currently use anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication. 

 While we wait for all that to become reality, there's no harm done by introducing fermented foods into your diet.

 Fermented foods are excellent for optimal digestive health. Fermented grass-fed organic milk such as kefir is a favorite because it's full of probiotics. You can also try the Indian yoghurt drink called lassi, as well as a variety of fermented and pickled vegetables such as sauerkraut, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash, and carrots.

 Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, Healthy Gut....

 The takeaway of this short article is simply that your mental health may well depend on the health of your gut flora. 

 Remember GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out)? You are what you eat...

 Wishing you good health always!

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