Gut Feelings: Uncovering the Gut-Brain Connection

Gut Feelings: Uncovering the Gut-Brain Connection When I was five years old, I was taking ballet classes. At the end of the year, we put on a performance. Everything went well; I knew my role, participated happily in all the rehearsals, and loved my pink tutu skirt. However, the moment I needed to step on stage, I got the worst bellyache and started crying. If you've ever gotten butterflies before a performance, lost your appetite during grief or stress, or felt excitement in your stomach when someone you liked entered the room, you've experienced the gut-brain axis firsthand. What is the gut brain axis? The gut-brain axis is a complex, bidirectional communication system links the central nervous system (CNS) with the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This axis coordinates digestion, metabolism, and appetite by integrating environmental sensory information with the body's internal metabolic state. The gut and the brain exchange information through three pathways: The vagus nerve: A major nerve connecting the brain and digestive tract that helps regulate communication between the two. The enteric nervous system: A network of nerves embedded throughout the digestive tract that helps coordinate digestion and respond to what passes through the gut. The microbiome: The collection of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms in the digestive system that influences digestion, immunity and mood. When out of sync A few factors can inhibit the connection between the gut and the brain, but the most common are trauma to the lower abdomen, microbiome disruptions (dysbiosis), and stress. Symptoms can manifest in the central nervous system, the digestive system, or both. Here are examples of two clients I saw in the past. If you look at how symptoms manifest in their bodies, you might think these are two very different conditions; however, the underlying root cause is very similar. One client, a 37-year-old woman, presented with brain fog, irritability, depression and anxiety. Although she had no digestive complaints, a review of her health history revealed recurring childhood infections and longstanding congestion, while lab tests showed nutrient deficiencies, including low ferritin levels. Another client, a 28-year-old emergency room medical resident, presented with heartburn, intermittent constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. His symptoms began during medical school, and he rated his stress level an 11 out of 10. Two cases, one seemingly a nervous system symptom, the other focused on the digestive tract. However, if you dig deeper, you find that in both cases, the gut and the brain work hand in hand to create the conditions. What to do? When working with gut-brain axis conditions, you want to work on the gut and the brain at the same time. To reduce stress and increase blood flow to the abdomen, I suggest deep-breathing exercises and abdominal massage. Mindful eating is the practice of slowing down, avoiding distractions while eating, paying attention to your food, and listening to your body's hunger and fullness signals. Taking herbal bitters 20 minutes before every meal to fire things up. Gut brain tea You will need: 15 grams dried Catnip 15 grams dried Lemon Balm 15 grams dried Wood Betony 15 grams dried Marshmallow leaves To make: Blend the leaves and store in a tightly sealed glass jar. Use 15 grams of the blended tea per quart of water daily. You can make a quart of tea in the morning and sip it throughout the day. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation.