by Jillian Battista
Everyday, we make decisions. Some take time to decide, such as what to order at a restaurant. Other decisions happen in a split second. For these decisions, we may follow our instincts and “go with our gut”–in other words, we are making decisions based on how our body is reacting to the available options.
In our bodies, the gut-brain axis connects organs in our gut, such as the stomach and intestines, to our brain.
Through this pathway, the gut and the brain are in constant communication through bundles of nerves connecting all of the major organs. The brain sends signals, such as hormones, throughout the body and even down to the intestines. This enables the brain to control automatic bodily actions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.
The gut is responsible for more than just breaking down our food. In fact, it also sends signals right back to the brain (see image above). The gut is sometimes referred to as the “second brain” due to its ability to influence how the actual brain functions. For example, the gut has a special microbiota, which includes bacteria that live there and release chemicals, called neurotransmitters, into the bloodstream following digestion. Serotonin is one neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood states, including anxiety and depression. Therefore, the food we eat may change our mood, resulting in happiness when we consume a delicious treat. In this situation, the gut is actually sending serotonin up to the brain.
The gut-brain axis is also a potential target for treating many immune and psychiatric diseases, such as anxiety, depression, alcohol misuse, irritable bowel syndrome, and immune system dysfunction. We still have more to learn about our “second brain”, but when faced with tough decisions, you might as well “go with your gut”!
