SIMPLY STATED:THE GUT/BRAIN CONNECTION – WENDY BLANCHARD, M.S., CHHC, CPS

The gut includes every organ involved in digesting food and processing it into waste. Did you know that the gut, or the lining of the gut is called the second brain? Our “brains” communicate with each other through the vagus nerve, which is the most powerful and widely distributed nerve of the body connecting the core of the brain to the depths of the gut, and controls messages to the gut. This is where the saying “I have a gut feeling” originated! We are thinking in the tummy! There is chemical communication through hormones and neurotransmitters that send messages back and forth between our “brains.”

The chemical messages that pass between the gut and the brain can be affected by bacteria and viruses that live in the gut called micro biome. Changes in the micro biome and inflammation in the gut can affect the brain and cause dis-ease, and cause symptoms that look like anxiety, depression, and even Autism.

There is a strong relationship between our mental health and having gastrointestinal symptoms like acid reflux, pain, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion. Anxiety and depression can cause changes in the gut micro biome because of what takes place in the body when there is a stress response.

There is a definite correlation between our gut health, and our brain health. Eating healthy, whole foods, stress management tools, exercise, sleep, and staying hydrated are a few healthy practices that offer wellness, body, mind and spirit!

For more information on how the gut/brain connection may be affecting your wellness, email me at wendyblanchard044@gmail.com, or fill out the Contact page on this website and I will be in touch within 24 hours.

Wishing you harmonious health 4 life!

Love and blessings,

Wendy

#mentalhealthamerica