Why are the intestines called the “second brain” of humans?
We all know that food can make you feel better. However, do you know why this is so? Although we were taught in school that the gut is responsible for digesting and excreting the food we eat, recent discoveries about the gut could significantly change the way we think about this part of our body. It turns out that not only our mood, but even our mental health may depend on what happens in our intestines. This makes scientists refer to the gut as our “second brain”. What does this mean exactly? Let’s check it out!
Intestines and nerve cells
Each of us knows that our brain has billions of nerve cells. However, it is not the only such a “wise” organ in our body, although it is actually difficult to match it in this respect. The gut, however, is in second place – there are over 100 million nerve cells in it , and some scientists say it is even five times that number. What does this mean for us? Well, these nerve cells from the gut are in constant contact with those in our brain! The intestine is therefore able to produce neurotransmitters such as, for example, dopamine and serotonin. This in turn means that everything that happens in our gut affects our well-being, mood, behavior, emotions and mental health. . Such emotions in the digestive system can sometimes be felt literally – after all, we certainly know the feeling of pressure in the stomach due to nerves or stress, and the proverbial “butterflies in the stomach” at the sight of a loved one. This discovery has revolutionized our perception of various neurological diseases, such as, for example, Alzheimer’s disease.
Intestines and diseases
Diseases related to the gut do not have to be just diseases of the digestive system. Since the intestines are our second brain, they can also be a source or help in the treatment of many diseases attributed to the brain – depression, Alzheimer’s or even stroke . Irritable bowel syndrome is a prime example of such a strong connection between the brain and the gut. Seemingly, it is a disease related to the typical physical characteristics of the intestines, which is manifested by chronic abdominal pain, constipation or flatulence. It turns out, however, that this disease is very often accompanied by mental ailments, such as depression, and even anxiety or neurotic disorders. According to studies, bacteria in the intestines may be responsible for these mood swings or even mental illness. Some scientists even allow the possibility that it is in the intestines that Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease begins. In these conditions, the presence of abnormal clusters of proteins called Lewy proteins has been detected. The same proteins appear in both the brain and the intestines. Researchers suspect that these proteins may be produced by various toxins or viruses found in food, and that those from the intestines can go directly to the brain. Regarding stroke, it is also suspected that the bacteria in the gut can have a huge impact on healing damage after a stroke. Good intestinal microflora, combined with other factors, can reduce brain damage by as much as 60%. All these studies show very clearly a truth that many of us keep repeating – “you are what you eat”. It turns out that what we eat literally can determine our health, not only physical, but also neurological and mental , as well as our well-being, mood and emotions.
How can I prevent bowel disease?
Since it is food that has such a big impact on our overall health, it is logical that the food we eat can also cause serious intestinal disease – that is, our other brain . The most important thing that can have a negative impact on the functioning of our intestines, and therefore the brain, are all highly processed products. These include all kinds of sweetened and carbonated drinks or juices, but also foods containing gluten, and even plants such as soybeans, peanuts or sunflower seeds. Our “second brain” can also be negatively affected by antibiotics that destroy our positive intestinal bacteria. Therefore, we should avoid these things as much as possible, and rather focus on what can help our intestines . Certainly, such elements include probiotics – useful bacteria that reach our intestines and thus strengthen our immunity. Above all, our intestines will benefit from a varied and balanced diet. A diet based on a large amount of vegetables and fruit, lean meat, fish and healthy protein with a variety of mood-enhancing foods, such as dark chocolate, has an amazingly beneficial effect on the health of our intestines. And remember that the condition of the intestines can directly affect the condition of the brain. Therefore, a visit to a dietitian and establishing a balanced and personalized diet tailored to our expectations and health condition is the best we can do for our second (and first) brain.