Unveiling the Gut-Brain Connection: Your Second Brain

The connection between our gut and emotions is more profound than we often realize. Phrases like "I have a gut feeling," "this person is hard to stomach," "I feel butterflies in my stomach," or "I'm so stressed I can't eat," are part of our everyday language, emphasizing the correlation between our digestive system and our emotional state. This emotional-gut connection plays a vital role in our overall well-being.

The Role of Serotonin: The Happiness Hormone

An impressive 90% of serotonin, often referred to as the 'happiness hormone,' is produced in our gut. When we maintain a healthy diet and provide our body with essential nutrients, our gut, acting as a 'second brain,' instructs the production of serotonin. In contrast, unhealthy eating habits such as fasting, late meals, or poor nutrition can result in feelings of lethargy and susceptibility, demonstrating the importance of the gut-brain connection.

Emotional Influence on Gut Health 

Our gut health can significantly influence our emotional state. For instance, when dealing with depression, it's crucial to consider the state of our gut, as it houses almost 100% of the body's serotonin. The gut-brain, consisting of millions of neurons, influences our emotions, memories, and pleasure senses, highlighting the intricate relationship between our gut and brain.

Unraveling the Two-Brain Theory 

Michael Gershon, a renowned researcher at the University of Columbia, explored this intricate relationship in his book "The Second Brain." Gershon's groundbreaking 'two-brain theory' underscores the pivotal role of gut neurons, suggesting that our gut is more than a waste disposal organ. It's an autonomous entity capable of processing sensations and emotions. Contrary to previous beliefs of the gut being a peripheral structure, it has a significant influence on our unconscious thinking, contributing to nearly 90% of our mind's development and the onset of various diseases.

The Emotional Impact on Digestive Diseases

Certain digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, have been linked to emotional distress. While the exact causes remain unknown, a lifestyle filled with continuous stress, anxiety, or emotional tension can inflict serious damage to our intestines or colon. This is due to the close connection of our central nervous system with both the brain and the digestive system.

The Physical Manifestation of Emotions

Our emotions can manifest physically, implying that intense emotions can have physical repercussions on our bodies. Stress, for instance, can produce harmful toxins that negatively impact our stomach, while our digestive system's neural tissue is sensitized to our anxieties. In conclusion, understanding the gut-brain connection is crucial for maintaining our physical and emotional health.

It is precisely gastrointestinal discomforts, according to a survey by Assosalute (National Association of Self-Medication Medicines) that create the most discomfort for the majority of Italians: 89.6 percent have experienced at least one stomach and intestinal discomfort, 57.7 percent more than one different discomfort. Heartburn (36.8 percent), abdominal pain (32.4 percent), bloating and meteorism (28.1 percent), diarrhea (27.1 percent), digestive difficulties (25.7 percent), and constipation (25.4 percent) are the most recurrent ones. Stress and poor eating habits are the triggers.

84.9 percent, particularly men and those over 65, say they suffer from some bowel disorder when they eat too much (53.4 percent) or when they eat poorly, in a hurry, skipping meals (13.7 percent) or if they eat few vegetables (17.8 percent). Worries (37.0%), difficult times (28.3%) and, more generally, the hustle and bustle of everyday life generate stomach and intestinal discomfort for 78.3% of respondents and in a higher percentage for women 88.4%.

All these discomforts depend on the communication and balance between the brain and the gut.The gastroenteric system is the only organ that contains a nervous system.

In the gut we find autonomic neural tissue capable of mediating reflexes in the complete absence of input from the brain or spinal cord, thus in total autonomy. And it is no coincidence that the cells of the gut, as we have said, produce 95 percent of serotonin, the neurotransmitter of well-being. The gut releases serotonin as a result of external stimuli, such as food input, but also sounds or colors. And to internal inputs: emotions and habits.

When a tasty food is eaten, the gut releases its receptors and increases the presence of serotonin, making it available to the brain and thus also promoting the feeling of pleasure and well-being associated with eating that particular food. According to the same mechanism, in the presence of inflammation in the intestines, an excess of serotonin is produced, which, on the one hand induces the appearance of gastrointestinal disorders, and on the other hand activates an enzyme in the brain that demolishes serotonin, negatively affecting our mood.

Stomach and intestines are a real "second brain" that is affected by our lifestyles and which we must learn to take care of. 

Serotonin is involved in many important biological functions: sleep-wake cycle, sexual desire, sense of hunger/satiety, mood and peristalsis. Having low serotonin levels can lead to mood disorders, sexual problems, problems sleeping, problems defecating, exacerbate anxiety, and contribute to depressive states. Having a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet is just as important as being able to properly manage stressful situations and our emotions.