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The gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication system between the brain and belly. This axis maintains the body’s state of steady functioning known as Homeostasis. Several components make up the gut-brain axis:

  • The brain
  • The nerves surrounding the gut (enteric nervous system)
  • The vagus nerve
  • Gut bacteria (the microbiome)
  • Hormones such as serotonin

 

A-     What is the Enteric Nervous System?

The gut is encased by 100 million neurons, called the enteric nervous system (ENS). This ‘second brain’ controls the processes of digestion including motility – the movement of food through the intestines - and the secretion of fluids. The ENS network extends from the esophagus down through the intestines to the anus.

This ‘second brain’ is in constant contact with the brain in our head and plays an important role in psychiatric and GI diseases. The vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves that sends signals from the brain to the gut and vice-versa.

Abnormal brain-gut communication can interfere with the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis, and lead to disease. Disruption to the ENS may lead to mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Conversely, thoughts or emotions of stress and anxiety can elicit exaggerated gut responses.

B-     Anxiety and bowel issues

The link between gut and brain explains how stressful situations – such as giving a presentation or sitting an exam – may cause nausea and abdominal pain. Stress, anxiety and other psychological factors influence the passage of material in the GI tract and cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are several theories explaining how this, suggesting stress may cause symptoms by:

  • Heightening sensitivity to pain (visceral hypersensitivity)
  • Activating the immune system causing inflammation
  • Influencing microbiota
  • Altering motility (the speed of material through the intestines)

The ENS-brain connection explains the effectiveness of mind-body therapies such as hypnotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for bowel disorders such as IBS. Essentially, the two brains ‘talk’ to each other and psychological treatments can target both at once.

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