If you've ever had the sensation of butterflies in the stomach, or felt the pangs of hunger after watching a food advertisement, you have experienced what I am discussing in today's post. Why does this happen? Does this mean that there is a connection between the gut and the brain?
A February 2010 article in Scientific American entitled "Think Twice: How the Gut's "Second Brain Influences Mood and Well Being goes into some detail about this very interesting body phenomenon. The article states that the gut is not involved in actual thought process, however. There are literally multitudes (over 100 million!) of neurons that line the outer layer of the GI tract; technically this is known as the "enteric nervous system." While the role of these neurons is primarily digestive function, this nervous system is in constant contact with the central nervous system.
As an example..suppose you just enjoyed a very spicy but enjoyable meal. Shortly thereafter, as digestion begins, you notice that your stomach is a bit upset. When the discomfort begins, it probably also has an effect on your mood...which is suddenly unpleasant due to the situation. Conversely, a stressful situation can sour the stomach in a heartbeat.
Scientists are also learning that serotonin, which is produced in part in the enteric nervous system, may also play a role in conditions that you would not think unrelated, including osteoporosis and autism. Future research in this area hopes offer clues to the role of this second brain in other diseases and body processes as well. There is also ongoing research on how gut-brain connection is involved in the immune response system.
In addition to the nervous system of the gut, there are millions of bacteria within the system...what we call "normal flora." It is theorized that these bacteria are in constant communication with the enteric nervous system...and indirectly with the central nervous system.
What does this mean for those with chronic pain? At the moment, I cannot say for sure. Perhaps when the role of the gut-brain is better understood, we will have new..and hopefully better ways...to tackle the issue.
Sources: Scientific American, Wikimedia
A February 2010 article in Scientific American entitled "Think Twice: How the Gut's "Second Brain Influences Mood and Well Being goes into some detail about this very interesting body phenomenon. The article states that the gut is not involved in actual thought process, however. There are literally multitudes (over 100 million!) of neurons that line the outer layer of the GI tract; technically this is known as the "enteric nervous system." While the role of these neurons is primarily digestive function, this nervous system is in constant contact with the central nervous system.
As an example..suppose you just enjoyed a very spicy but enjoyable meal. Shortly thereafter, as digestion begins, you notice that your stomach is a bit upset. When the discomfort begins, it probably also has an effect on your mood...which is suddenly unpleasant due to the situation. Conversely, a stressful situation can sour the stomach in a heartbeat.
Scientists are also learning that serotonin, which is produced in part in the enteric nervous system, may also play a role in conditions that you would not think unrelated, including osteoporosis and autism. Future research in this area hopes offer clues to the role of this second brain in other diseases and body processes as well. There is also ongoing research on how gut-brain connection is involved in the immune response system.
In addition to the nervous system of the gut, there are millions of bacteria within the system...what we call "normal flora." It is theorized that these bacteria are in constant communication with the enteric nervous system...and indirectly with the central nervous system.
What does this mean for those with chronic pain? At the moment, I cannot say for sure. Perhaps when the role of the gut-brain is better understood, we will have new..and hopefully better ways...to tackle the issue.
Sources: Scientific American, Wikimedia
Comments
Post a Comment