The stomach and intestines are directly affected by the brain.

The gastrointestinal tract is emotionally sensitive. 

Anger, anxiety, sadness, and joy are all emotions that can cause symptoms in the gut.

The brain and gastrointestinal system are inextricably linked.

This is especially true when there is no apparent physical cause for gastrointestinal upset. 

It’s difficult to heal a distressed gut for such functional gastrointestinal disorders without considering the role of stress and emotion.

Gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis refers to the network of communication that connects your gut and brain.

Recent neurobiological insights into the gut-brain axis have revealed a complex communication system that not only ensures proper gastrointestinal function, but is also likely to have a variety of effects on motivation, and higher cognitive functions, including intuitive decision-making.^[1]

The vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves that connects your gut to your brain. It transmits data in both directions.

It’s the language of nerve cells.

Millions of nerves and neurons connect your gut to your brain. Neurotransmitters and other chemicals produced in your gut have an impact on your brain as well. 

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a component of the autonomic nervous system that regulates the digestive process. The ENS regulates muscle motility, fluid secretion, and blood flow. 

The enteric system’s dysfunction is a major cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a major chronic gastrointestinal disorder.

Because the intestinal tract is surrounded by mesh-like nerve fibers that make up the enteric nervous system, which controls your gut function and immune system, our gut is also known as the “second brain.” 

The “second brain,” or ENS has much to do with the way you handle distressing emotions.

Neurotransmitters, which are produced in the brain, are in charge of controlling feelings and emotions.

Furthermore, the cells and microbes that live in your gut can help your brain produce many of the same neurotransmitters.

It has been demonstrated that an organism’s intestinal microbiota can influence the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is known to regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood.

How stress controls your gut

Stress symptoms in the gut include stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, IBS, and stomach ulcers. 

IBS is linked to a bacterial imbalance in the gut. 

This gut imbalance can send messages and signals to the brain, causing mood changes. 

These conditions can not only have a physiological impact but also cause anxiety and depression because they affect our eating and drinking habits, and thus our social life. 

Stress can have an impact on our family and work lives because we are less able to function and manage our daily lives.

The brain is affected by gut microbes

There are trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in your body. They are referred to collectively as the microbiome.

While some bacteria are associated with disease, others are vital to your immune system, heart, weight, and a variety of other health factors.

The gut microbiome is made up of the majority of the microbes in your intestines, which are found in a “pocket” of your large intestine called the cecum.

Together, these microbes function as extra organs in your body and play a massive role in your health.

Because gut bacteria influence brain health, altering your gut bacteria may improve your brain health.

Change the gut, improve your brain

You can improve your brain’s health by targeting the gut microbiome.

Because of the brain-gut connection, gastrointestinal and cognitive treatment can treat IBS and other digestive disorders together.

Dysfunction along these up and down pathways may be contributing to IBS symptoms.

Changes in the brain can be triggered by nerves in the gut that are overly sensitive.

Exaggerated gut responses can be triggered by anxious or arousal-related thoughts, feelings, and brain activation.

What we eat is one of the most powerful daily influences on our gut microbiome.

The microbial composition of our gut can change depending on the foods we eat.

When compared to starch and sugar-rich foods, which are sources of energy for both good and bad bacteria, foods high in dietary fibers and prebiotics can select for specific strains of beneficial bacteria. Proteins, fats, and salt all have an impact on the gut microbiome.

Probiotics are live bacteria that provide health benefits when consumed. However, not all probiotics are created equal.

Some probiotics have been shown to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

Also, managing stress can help maintain a balanced gut. I wrote about managing a stress response recently in this blog post.

Conclusion

Our brain and gastrointestinal tract are constantly communicating. Because of this, stress, pressure, sadness, and even joy can all have an effect on your gut health.

So, while stress management is important for our overall well-being, it is especially important when it comes to a healthy functioning gut. 

You’ll be well on your way to better emotional health – and a happier gut – if you incorporate some effective stress-relieving strategies into your life, such as deep breathing, movement, a gratitude journal, meditation, and even more laughter.