Did you know that you have a second brain and it’s located in your gut? This is what makes you feel emotions, like butterflies in your stomach when you’re excited or nervous, and a queasy feeling in your stomach when you’re scared or emotional. This second brain is the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is made up of two thin layers that contain over 100 million nerve cells. These cells line your digestive tract, which runs from your esophagus all the way to your rectum.
The second brain in your gut, or ENS, communicates directly with the brain in your head. This is the brain-gut connection or the gut-brain connection.
How are your gut and brain connected?
The ENS communicates with your brain both physically and chemically. These back and forth connections follow a path called the gut-brain axis. The main connection from your gut to your brain is the vagus nerve . This nerve also controls messages sent to your heart, lungs, and other organs. In addition, hormones and other neurotransmitters are chemically sent along the gut-brain axis.
These chemical messages are influenced by your gut microbiome. This is made up of all the fungi, viruses and bacteria that live in your gut. There are many different types in your gut, some of which can be beneficial or harmful to your health. Others have no effect at all.
The gut-brain axis is not just your brain and ENS. This pathway also includes your endocrine system, immune system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, microbiota, and metabolites
The gut-brain connection has been shown to impact your health when it comes to certain diseases or conditions. This is true for both your physical and mental health, as the gut is your second brain. This is how your gut and brain connect.
Gut Microbiota and the Gut-Brain Axis
Over the past 15 years, scientists have seen the important role the gut microbiome plays in your health. The microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms, both inside and on your body. The gut microbiome helps regulate the function of the gut-brain axis. The microbiome and the brain communicate with each other via the ENS, the vagus nerve, and other pathways.
Experts and researchers are currently studying the gut-brain connection and its effects on certain neurological disorders. Microorganisms in your body regulate your immune system.
In addition to neurological disorders, more attention is also being paid to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and how they affect the functioning of your brain through how your gut and brain are connected.
As you age, the diversity of microbes in your gut decreases. High levels of stress at any point in your life also alter the diversity of microbes in your gut.
The Impact of Gut Health
The gut-brain connection is what makes you feel things like the fight or flight response and nervousness before giving a presentation. Many people deal with other conditions that impact their physical and gut health. For example, if you suffer from anxiety or depression, this can cause gut issues, which can cause problems in the stomach or intestines. Because of the gut-brain connection, it can also be true the other way around – that your gut health impacts your mental and physical health.
Your ENS can affect your emotions. In turn, your emotions can affect certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, bloating, ...
For a long time, doctors thought that anxiety and stress were the cause of these gastrointestinal problems, but now the opposite is thought. Poor gut health can send signals to the central nervous system and affect your mood.
Some people who suffer from gastrointestinal issues may not have any other physical symptoms. The cause may be a side effect of their mental health, so improving gut health can be difficult as stress and anxiety take a toll on both your mind and your body.
The role of Lactobacillus
Spore-shaped bacteria, such as Lactobacillus , play an important role in promoting healthy gut flora. These beneficial bacteria can have a positive impact on your gut health. They help maintain a balanced microbial community in your gut, which is essential for healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
Lactobacillus produces lactic acid, which increases the acidity of the intestines and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. In addition, these bacteria can strengthen the intestinal wall and reduce inflammation. By stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, spore-forming bacteria such as Lactobacillus can contribute to a healthy intestinal flora.
That is why Metis Anti-Stress 03 contains, in addition to soothing ingredients and adaptogens, both Lactobacillus subtilis HU 58 and Lactobacillus coagulans.
Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements
