In this three-part series on the blog, we will explore the nature and working of this important connection, and how our health and wellness can benefit from this interaction if we understand and manage it.
The three parts (of which the first one follows directly after this introduction, with the second and third parts to follow in the coming two months) are:
PART 1: Understanding the Gut-brain connection
PART 2: How the Gut-brain connection affects your physical/nutritional health
Part 3: How the Gut-brain connection affects your mental health.
PART 1: UNDERSTANDING THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION
Have you ever experienced the so-called “gut feeling” about some events, or felt “butterflies in your tummy” in a new situation?
If so, you have already experienced two examples of the proven fact that your gut and your brain are connected – what happens in the one, can affect the other.
There are four ways in which the gut and the brain are connected:
Reseach shows that stress can inhibit (or block) the signals sent through the Vagus nerve, causing gastro-intestinal problems. In the opposite direction, increasing the amount of Probiotics in the gastro-intestinal system can reduce stress – but when the Vagus nerve is not functioning optimally, the increased Probiotic has a lesser effect on the stress-level experienced.
Simply put, a neurotransmitter is a chemical substance that sends a signal from one nerve fiber to the next, for instance from one part of the brain to another part, or from the brain to a specific organ or muscle.
Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter, causing feelings of happiness and reducing stress levels. And now for the important part: Serotonin is not only produced in the brain as previously thought; a large proportion of Serotonin is produced in the gut!
Your gut microbes (microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and more) also produce a transmitter called GABA, which helps control feelings of fear and anxiety. And certain probiotics can increase the production of GABA, and reduce anxiety and depression-like behavior.
The trillions of microbes in the gut also make other chemicals affecting how your brain works. One of these is “short-chain fatty acids”, produced by digesting fiber, and affecting the brain, for example by reducing appetite.
Your Gut-brain axis is also connected through the immune system. If your immune system is switched on for too long, it can lead to inflammation which is associated with a number of brain disorders like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
BY NOW YOU SHOULD BE CONVINCED THAT THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. CONSEQUENTLY YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE IT, BUT RATHER “MANAGE” IT!
MAKE SURE NOT TO MISS PARTS 2 AND 3 OF THIS SERIES, WHERE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH WILL BE UNPACKED, WITH GUIDELINES AND PRACTICAL TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN MANAGE THIS IMPORTANT ASPECT TO ENSURE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.
