What is the Gut-Brain Axis?
The brain and gastrointestinal tract are closely connected. During human embryonic development, the nervous system is the first system to develop in the body. It develops almost simultaneously with the gastrointestinal system, and is, in fact, “hardwired” into the gut—this is called the “enteric” nervous system, or ENS. The ENS plays a significant part in communicating to the brain what is happening in the gut, and is often referred to as the “second brain.”
The gut-brain axis, or ENS, is connected physically by some 500 million neurons in the gut. Neurons are found in the brain, the central nervous system—which runs throughout the body—and the gut. It is estimated that there are around 100 billion neurons in the brain alone.
The gut and brain are directly connected by the vagus (vaygus) nerve, which allows the brain and gut to communicate. Signals can be sent via the vagus nerve in either direction—from the gut to the brain, and from the brain to the gut. Some research suggests that the vagus nerve can also play a role in stress. Stress can inhibit the signals sent via the vagus nerve and can lead to gastrointestinal issues. The vagus nerve is likely the most important pathway for this bi-directional communication between the gut and the brain.
Not only that, but the gut and brain are also connected biochemically by more than 30 various neurotransmitters. Some of the more commonly recognized neurotransmitters are serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, and GABA (or gamma-aminobutyric acid). It’s interesting to note, that a number of neurotransmitters, and other substances, are produced by certain species of the gut microbiota. It’s estimated that 90% of peripheral serotonin is manufactured in the gut. Since these neurotransmitters and other chemicals can have an effect on the brain, improving the gut microflora may positively affect the brain and the immune system.
Neurotransmitters are not the only substances produced by our gut microbiota: metabolites are produced as well. Metabolites are substances produced via the process of metabolism. Gut microbes produce a lot of a certain metabolite, SCFA (short chain fatty acids), which are important in forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the barrier between the brain and the blood vessels. These gut microbes are required for normal brain development. In adulthood, they also play an important role in brain function.
Once the gut brain axis is understood, so is the importance of supporting gut health and the gut microbiome.
The gut-brain axis, or ENS, is connected physically by some 500 million neurons in the gut. Neurons are found in the brain, the central nervous system—which runs throughout the body—and the gut. It is estimated that there are around 100 billion neurons in the brain alone.
The gut and brain are directly connected by the vagus (vaygus) nerve, which allows the brain and gut to communicate. Signals can be sent via the vagus nerve in either direction—from the gut to the brain, and from the brain to the gut. Some research suggests that the vagus nerve can also play a role in stress. Stress can inhibit the signals sent via the vagus nerve and can lead to gastrointestinal issues. The vagus nerve is likely the most important pathway for this bi-directional communication between the gut and the brain.
Not only that, but the gut and brain are also connected biochemically by more than 30 various neurotransmitters. Some of the more commonly recognized neurotransmitters are serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, and GABA (or gamma-aminobutyric acid). It’s interesting to note, that a number of neurotransmitters, and other substances, are produced by certain species of the gut microbiota. It’s estimated that 90% of peripheral serotonin is manufactured in the gut. Since these neurotransmitters and other chemicals can have an effect on the brain, improving the gut microflora may positively affect the brain and the immune system.
Neurotransmitters are not the only substances produced by our gut microbiota: metabolites are produced as well. Metabolites are substances produced via the process of metabolism. Gut microbes produce a lot of a certain metabolite, SCFA (short chain fatty acids), which are important in forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the barrier between the brain and the blood vessels. These gut microbes are required for normal brain development. In adulthood, they also play an important role in brain function.
Once the gut brain axis is understood, so is the importance of supporting gut health and the gut microbiome.
What's Your Next Best Step?
Sign up for our free "Gut Health Newsletter"! Discover how you can improve your gut microbiome and achieve better health.
|
Sign up for a free consultation,
tell us your health journey and get your questions answered. |
Get your free "30-Day Gut Reboot Guide" and order Essentials today. Risk free with our 90 Day Money Back Guarantee.
|
