The Gut Brain Connection

How often do you get an instinct or gut reaction about a person, an idea a decision? Happens all the time as we go through our day.

Where do those instincts and feelings come from? They come from past experiences we’ve had and no matter how large or insignificant the experiences were, we file those sights, sounds, touches, tastes, smells and thoughts away subconsciously. The more life you live, the more instincts and intuition you have to draw from, unless the system of retrieval of information is compromised by nerve damage or poor nutrition. And that’s why the gut brain connection is getting such increased attention by the scientific community, these days.

In my Zoom trainings with companies and realty associations over the past year, I’ve been speaking about how to become healthier, more productive and focused based on recent neuroscience findings. Feedback has been extraordinary since most want to live their best life possible. These ideas coming from science and proven in large studies provide the ‘cause and effect’ road map to do just that.

One of the most interesting and useful topics of information is about the gut brain connection, or axis, known as the connection between the brain and the gut.

First we either experience initial reactions in the brain, containing approximately 100 billion brain cells, or in the gut which contains approximately 100 million of those same configured brain or neuron cells. These impulses travel on the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the body, to the amygdala (the oldest part of the brain developed millions of years ago). This ‘lizard or reptilian’ brain, as it is called, is where instincts like ‘fight or flight’ and other inane impulses, sort out danger or safety. It produces either dopamine or cortisol which go to the frontal lobes for further critical processing and actions and this happens in milliseconds and it happens continually.

If the gut is not taken care of, instincts, moods, clarity and physical health may be impaired.

1) Healthy eating. Trillions of gut microbiota are responsible for digestion. What you eat is broken down in your gut and the nutritional value or, as in the case of eating junk, poor nutritional value then gets to travel through the bloodstream to every cell in your body. Neuroscientists are about all in agreement that the Mediterranean Diet is the way to go, The emphasis on proteins derived from fatty fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, nuts and seeds, veggies and fruit, whole grain breads and oils from avocado, and virgin, cold pressed olive oil which are all best for brain function. And, what’s good for the brain is good for the heart. Here’s where probiotics come in.

2) Probiotics are live organisms, usually bacteria, that support excellent digestion and care of the microbiota. They promote better digestion and with it, fight off obesity, help control weight, type 2 diabetes, lower stress and anxiety, heart disease, inflammation and impact hormone production (mood).  90% of the body’s mood lifting serotonin is produced in the gut. Probiotics are found naturally in foods such as unpasteurized sauerkraut, probiotic yogurt, kefir and kimchi. The easiest source is over the counter tablets or powders. Read labels or get professional council as to what to buy since the manufacture of probiotics is not FDA controlled.

Combined with exercise and good sleep patterns, the food you eat is not just important for body functions, energy, health and longevity, since food impacts the way you think and react. The healthy gut with a good range of bacteria, supported by probiotics, means you can have better access to health, intuition and better mental clarity.