your second brain
Did you know that you have two brains? One you already know is in your head, which is your brain. The other is in your stomach, which is known as your gut. Your brain and your gut are connected, literally. Your brain communicates to your gut and your gut communicates to your brain.
...but what does this really mean?
While many of us know or are beginning to understand just how important the development of our brain is to our overall health and well-being, we many not realize just how important our gut is too. For some, or few, this might be the reverse. Some may attribute their overall health and well-being mostly to their gut health and what they consume, and not so much to their brain. But really and truly, both matter and both work together!
so...how does this really work?
Parts of our body is made up of our nervous system. Commonly known is the central nervous system. This system is comprised of our brain and spinal cord. A less commonly known part of our nervous system is called the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system consists of our gut, which is formally known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our GI tract begins where food is taken in through our esophagus, to digestion in our stomach and then expulsions. Our gut can function on its own reflexes while communicating back and forth with our brain. Both the brain and the gut’s nervous system consists of a network of nerves, neurons and neurotransmitters. This is how it gets its name the “second brain”. They both work together to support our overall health.
Here is an example of how this brain-gut connection works.
Imagine yourself in a stressful or fearful situation. For some, this may be delivering a big presentation or encountering a frightening animal. In fearful and distressing types of situations, your brain’s central nervous system is turned on and your body prepares for a fight, flight or freeze response. Simultaneously, your body’s enteric nervous system (comprising of your digestive system) begins to slow down in an effort to conserve your body’s energy to be used for the situation you are in. As you stand before others, prepared to deliver your big presentation, you may experience what is commonly known as a “butterflies in your stomach feeling” which is often a result of strong nervous, anxious, frightening or feelings of excitement, depending on the situation you are in. This is an example of how your brain affects your gut.
Experiencing persistent problems with your gut such as stomach pain or troubles with digestion can also give rise to feelings of stress and anxiety about the state of your body’s health and well-being, which in turn can have an impact on your mental health.
so listen up !
Taking good care of both your brain and gut is important. In such a way that is best for you. Ensuring you fuel your mental, physical, emotional and social well-being is key, so is being mindful about what you fuel your body with. Fueling your body with foods that support and promote the health of your gut is fundamental. This can include a balanced and nutritious diet that consists of prebiotics, which are foods that are high in fiber such as bananas, oats, apples berries. As well as probiotics, which are good bacteria that help to balance the organisms in your intestine and can be found in yogurt.
How brain and gut health is ensured will look differently from person to person and that’s OK! It’s about finding a healthy balance, whether that’s in consuming specific foods or enjoying a Smoov blend that’s just right for you!
