Is It True That We Have A Second Brain?
Fear, anger, nerves, anxiety… we’ve all felt these emotions at some point, intense sensations that sometimes settle in our stomach in a painful way. We lose the desire to eat and it is even possible to feel nauseous. Why does it happen? Is the relationship between the stomach and the brain so close?
It seems so. It was Michael Gershon, a researcher at Columbia University, who wrote an important book on the topic, entitled “The Second Brain”. In the book, he explains that the stomach would be like a small brain composed of millions of neurons, which in turn serve as a direct connection with the main one. And there’s more; in addition to neurons, in our digestive tract there are different types of neurotransmitters that are also present in the brain. An example of these would be serotonin.
the stomach, the second brain
An interesting aspect about the similarity of the stomach to the brain is the fact that it also releases neurotransmitters. As mentioned earlier, the main chemical that it secretes is serotonin, the so-called happiness and well-being hormone.
It is curious to know that 90% of serotonin is produced in the intestine, and that it is the stomach that orders its release when we eat well. In other words, this supposed “second brain” rewards us not only for eating, but for eating properly by getting the nutrients our body needs. The simple fact of eating is interpreted as something good, and for that we are rewarded with a feeling of well-being.
On the other hand, if we take too long to eat, if we delay for example our main meal, we will start to feel listless and without energy. What’s more, as Science magazine recently published, having an empty stomach can make us aggressive and put us in a bad mood. This sensation is immediately reduced when eating the first piece, at which point serotonin begins to appear in our body.
The stomach and emotions
There are several diseases of the digestive system that, according to experts, would be related to the emotional plane. One of them would be, for example, the so-called irritable bowel syndrome. The exact causes of it are not known, but living a life where stress, anxiety, or emotional tension are common can seriously affect the gut. How is this possible? Our central nervous system is closely linked to the brain as well as the digestive system. Emotions can be somatized, that is, every intense sensation has its effect on our body.
Stress generates certain toxins in our body, harmful elements that affect our stomach. In turn, the entire neuronal tissue of the digestive system is very sensitive to our concerns. Who hasn’t felt this strange pressure in their guts in the face of a test or a threatening situation? It cannot be denied. We have two neuronal centers in our body that need our mind to balance. Leading a healthy life, with a balanced diet, is as important as the fact of properly managing our stressful situations and our emotions.
