A Brain In Our Gut?
There is so much new research coming out concerning our bodies that is revolutionizing how we relate to our physical being.
We now know that during the initial stages of gestation a piece of the forming brain actually detaches itself and becomes part of the formation of our guts.
That the entire length of our gut’s wall is lined with brain cells or neural tissues filled with neurotransmitters.
In fact there are more neurons in our gut lining then there are in our spinal cord or the peripheral nervous system, over 1,000,000 neurons.
This is part of what is called the enteric* nervous system.
It was initially believed that these brain cells were limited to regulating digestive and elimination functions leaving the brain free from this process.
More recent research though suggests that there is much more going on and that our moods are directly influenced by messages from the below brain to the above brain.
The fact that 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the bowels makes the bowel/brain connection even more specific.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome could now be seen as a “mental illness’ of this second brain.
It is also being looked at how this second brain mediates the body’s immune system, as 70% of our immune system is geared toward the gut to expel and destroy unwanted guests.
Caring for our intestinal tract with the right foods, good eating habits, seasonal cleansers, meditation, and breathing is becoming more and more connected with how we feel and our mental state.
UCLA is doing research on how the trillions of bacteria in the gut actually communicate with the enteric nervous system which in turn communicates with the brain making it clear that working on our mental health must included both brains to really be effective.
Personally I have always felt this to be a “No Brainer”!
Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…
Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com
*Enteric refers to the intestines.
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