Throughout the 20th century, medicine has become very good at breaking down the different systems of the body to better understand them. However, today we are becoming increasingly aware that the various systems of the body are interconnected and cannot be fully understood in isolation. The brain-gut connection is one very important example of this phenomenon.
Anatomy of the brain-gut connection
What is the relationship between the brain and the gut? The brain sends signals to the gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal (GI) tract via the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system and the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous system. The balance of signals from these two inputs can influence the rate at which food passes through the digestive system, the absorption of nutrients, the secretion of digestive fluids, and the level of inflammation in the digestive system.
The digestive system also has its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system, which consists of approximately 100 million nerve cells in and around the digestive tract. The enteric nervous system receives input from the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, but can also function independently of them.
The enteric nervous system is also closely connected to millions of immune cells. These cells survey the digestive system and send information back to the brain, such as whether the stomach is distended, whether there is an infection in the gastrointestinal tract, or whether there is a lack of blood flow. Therefore, the brain and digestive system communicate with each other in both directions.
Effects of stress and negative emotions on the intestines
Because of this strong brain-gut connection, stress and a variety of negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, depression, fear, and anger can all affect your digestive system. These triggers can speed up or slow down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract and the contents within it. The digestive system becomes overly sensitive to bloating and other pain signals. It makes it easier for bacteria to pass through the intestinal lining and activates the immune system. Increases inflammation in the intestines. It also changes the intestinal flora (the types of bacteria that live in the intestines). Therefore, stress and strong emotions can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and food allergies and sensitivities. It may contribute to or worsen the disease.
Negative changes in the digestive system can feed back to the brain, creating a vicious cycle. for example, new research Researchers have demonstrated that increased intestinal inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome can have profound effects throughout the body, contributing to fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and depression. .
Mind-body approach to gastrointestinal diseases
Given this strong mind-body/brain-gut connection, mind-body tools such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing techniques, yoga, and gut-driven hypnotherapy can all help improve gastrointestinal symptoms and improve symptoms. It is not surprising that this has been shown. Improves mood and reduces anxiety. They reduce the body’s stress response by dampening the sympathetic nervous system, increasing the parasympathetic response, and reducing inflammation.
Other integrated approaches
We also know that certain types of foods can cause certain reactions in the guts of sensitive people. In such cases, certain diets can help manage symptoms, such as low FODMAP for IBS and avoiding acidic foods for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Diet also has a significant impact on the gut microbiome. For example, eating a more plant-based diet with little or no refined carbohydrates or red meat often results in a healthier microbiome. These dietary changes may reduce intestinal inflammation, reducing systemic symptoms such as fatigue and depression and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Although everyone’s situation is different, a combination of integrative approaches can help alleviate digestive symptoms and restore both a healthy gut and a healthy mind.