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The Brain-Gut Connection for Mental Well-being
by Garima Roy – fractalenlightenment
Have you ever wondered the reason behind feeling butterflies in your stomach? Or that sinking premonition feeling around your stomach when something unexpected happens? Several studies over the years have established the fact that the condition of the gut influences one’s mental health. Human body consists of two brains. One is located in our head and the second one – in our guts. Both of these brains begin forming from the point an egg gets fertilised.
They develop from the same cluster of tissue wherein one section evolves into a central nervous system (brain) and another one into enteric nervous system (gut). Vagus Nerve, longest of all the cranial nerves, connects both these nervous system. Chemicals (hormones, neurotransmitters) that control the brain in the head are found in the gut brain as well. Due to this linkage between the brain and gut, researchers have concluded that a healthy gut helps in maintaining good mental and emotional health.
Human gut has a gut microbiota, which basically is clusters of several microorganisms living in our intestine. It contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria with more than 3 million genes (150 times more than human genes). According to studies, presence or absence of gut microbiota affects the development of behaviour that causes neurochemical changes in the brain.
Gut microbiota execute the communication-function with the brain. Their presence or absence influences the central nervous system and it’s behaviour. Hence, it is necessary that a healthy communication between gut and brain be ensured for avoiding psychiatric illness. Additionally, about 70% of the cells that make up the body’s immune system is found in the gut. Therefore, it is highly advisable to keep your gut in check.
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Source: http://www.riseearth.com/2014/05/the-brain-gut-connection-for-mental.html
