'Trust your gut': Expert explains the body's 'second brain'
We've all heard the phrase "trust your gut" and know what someone means when they say they have a "gut feeling".
Those butterflies you feel in your stomach when something doesn't feel right or you're worried about something are a universal feeling, and a good indicator for your emotions.
But did you know there's science behind the strange feeling?
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The woman with a stomachache is holding her stomach in pain, sitting on the sofa in the living room. she is suffering from a stomachache. Healthcare and medical concept. Getty
Associate professor Simon Knowles, a clinical psychologist and senior researcher at Swinburne University specialising in psycho-gastroenterology, tells 9honey there is a direct link between the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) and the enteric nervous system (which controls the gut) called the gut-brain axis, meaning the brain has a direct effect on the gut and vice versa.
"The gastrointestinal tract is influenced by one's mental state. It is likely that because of this, the common phrase 'trust your gut' or 'gut feelings' has come about," Knowles, who will be attending the Coeliac Australia Gluten-Free Expo in Melbourne, explains.
"When individuals are experiencing a stressful and/or anxiety producing situation, it results in a chemical cascade beginning in our brain that leads to the release of adrenaline and/or noradrenaline from our adrenal glands, preparing the body for a 'fight or flight' response.
"The body's activation of the fight-or-flight response has a direct impact on the gastrointestinal tract and the digestive process."
"When experiencing stress, the top two-thirds of the gastrointestinal tract shut down, leading to the commonly reported feeling of butterflies in the tummy," Knowles explans. The last third will be stimulated causing the urge to use the restroom.
"Therefore, when one experiences gut feelings, it is actually the outcome of the brain initiating the fight-or-flight response and, in turn, changes to the digestive processes of the gastrointestinal tract."
Not only can the brain affect the gut, but the gut can have a similar effect on the brain.
"I think many people do not know or appreciate how much the brain and gastrointestinal tract are interconnected and that they communicate with each other," Knowles explains.
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Associate professor Simon Knowles is a clinical psychologist and senior researcher at Swinburne University, specialising in psycho-gastroenterology, Supplied
"[Also] people are often surprised to find out that the gastrointestinal tract has its own nervous system, referred to as the enteric nervous system. After the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), it is the second largest nervous system in our body and due to this it is often referred to as the second brain."
It is understood the health of one's gut can have a direct impact on their mental state. Knowles witnesses this in individuals living with chronic gastrointestinal conditions like Coeliac Disease.
"For [the] approximately one in 70 Australians living with coeliac disease, ingesting gluten triggers immune-mediated inflammation of the small bowel. This leads to numerous gastrointestinal symptoms – as well as non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, headache and weight loss," Knowles explains.
"The stress and impact of gluten exposure [for these individuals] and it's associated symptoms can understandably contribute to the development of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression."
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Individuals living with gastrointestinal conditions are likely to experience mental health concerns. Getty
For any individuals with coeliac disease who may be struggling with the associated physical or mental symptoms, Knowles says it's "important to engage in strategies that promote stress management" which may include "slow, relaxed breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and mindfulness-based activities".
"Importantly, if individuals are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms or have concerns about their mental health, they should speak with their GP about their current experiences. This can lead to appropriate referrals, which might include seeing a psychologist."
The Coeliac Australia Gluten-Free Expo is taking place at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on the 5-6th October and promises to be both educational and full of worry-free, delicious eating opportunities for those with coeliac disease. Go to https://www.glutenfreeexpo.com.au/melbourne for more information and to purchase tickets.
The information in this article should not be construed as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor or other medical professional for advice specific to you.
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