The second brain:
The intriguing world of gut health
Gut health: The key to a healthy brain, a strong immune system and a happier life?
Our gut, often considered our “second brain,” plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. This complex system of the gut is closely connected to our nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, which acts as a highway for information between the brain and the gut. This connection is essential for regulating various bodily functions and influencing our mood and mental health. In this article, you will learn how your gut health, precisely because of this important connection (the vagus nerve) is so important to your overall health. And so you can take back a little more control over your own health.
The vagus nerve:
The communication bridge between brain and gut
The connection between our brain and our gut is fascinating and more complex than we often think. The vagus nerve, the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system, plays a key role in communication between the brain and the gut(Dinan and Cryan, 2017). This “walking nerve” runs from the brainstem deep into the abdominal cavity and forms a two-way communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract .
This nerve regulates various bodily functions, including digestion, inflammatory responses and mood. Therefore, this bidirectional communication is crucial to our overall well-being. When the vagus nerve does not function properly, it can lead to a disruption of the gut-brain axis and ultimately lead to chronic health problems(Breit et al., 2018). By stimulating the vagus nerve, such as through deep breathing, meditation or humming, we can promote gut health and overall well-being.
The impact of a disrupted microbiome on gut health
It has long been known that an unhealthy or sub-optimal gut microbiome can lead to gut flora imbalances, which in turn can result in a range of health problems. An imbalanced gut flora can lead to digestive problems, a weakened immune system, inflammation and even mood disorders. It is essential to maintain the diversity and balance of gut bacteria for optimal gut health(Thursby and Juge, 2017).
The importance of butyrate-producing bacteria for healthy gut flora
In addition to the diversity of the entire gut microbiome, the so-called butyrate-producing bacteria are also a hugely important part of a healthy microbiome. These bacteria play a crucial role in the health of our gut and our overall well-being ( Marchesi et al. ,2016).
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by these bacteria. It not only serves as fuel for intestinal cells, but also has anti-inflammatory properties and can strengthen the intestinal barrier. In addition, butyrate stimulates the production of serotonin, which has positive effects on our mood and cognitive functions. Not surprisingly, people deficient in these bacteria often suffer from depressive symptoms.
Therefore, it is very important to promote the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria in our microbiome. One way to do this is by choosing high-fiber foods, probiotics and a healthy lifestyle. In addition, butter already naturally provides this valuable fatty acid.
Analemma Water and sound therapy from InformationMedicine increase butyrate-producing bacteria!
In our small-scale research, we have shown that Analemma Water can increase the amount of butyrate-producing bacteria and improve the diversity of the microbiome. Both factors are important in counteracting an unhealthy gut wall, which often results from an unbalanced microbiome.
Another notable outcome was the pilot study examining the effect of sound therapy from InformationMedicine investigated in humans. This also showed that the conscious use of (sound) frequencies has positive effects on the microbiome and thus on overall well-being. For more information, click here.
The consequences of a leaky gut:
A look at the impact of an unhealthy lifestyle
A damaged intestinal wall, also called a “leaky gut,” can lead to the entry of unwanted substances and particles into the bloodstream. This can then cause a cascade of inflammatory reactions and an overload of the immune system(Camilleri et al., 2012).
A leaky gut is associated with a wide range of health problems, ranging from digestive disorders(Fasano, 2020) and skin conditions to autoimmune diseases(Mu et al., 2017). Moreover, the connection between the gut and the brain through the vagus nerve can cause these inflammations to also affect the brain, leading to neurological or mental problems(Carabotti et al., 2015). Therefore, it is crucial to keep the gut barrier healthy and address the underlying causes of leaky gut.
Nutrition and Lifestyle: Key factors for a healthy gut
A healthy diet, rich in fiber, vegetables, and fermented foods, is essential for nourishing a healthy gut flora. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and artificial additives can help maintain the diversity of gut bacteria. In addition, factors such as seeing enough sunlight (preferably as early as dawn) play a role, grounds (touching the ground with bare feet), regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management play a crucial role in supporting a healthy gut.
Conclusion:
The intriguing connection of gut health and well-being
Gut health is a complex and fascinating topic that has a profound impact on our overall well-being. By understanding the role of the gut as the “second brain,” the important communication bridge between this gut nervous system and the brain, the importance of healthy gut flora and thus preventing or reversing a leaky gut, we can take steps to improve our gut health ( Belkaid and Hand, 2014). With proper nutrition, lifestyle choices and attention to the vagus nerve, we can strive for optimal gut health and a better quality of life.
Literature List
Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121-141.
Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). Vagus nerve as modulator of the brain-gut axis in psychiatric and inflammatory disorders. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 44.
Canani, R. B., Costanzo, M. D., Leone, L., Pedata, M., Meli, R., & Calignano, A. (2011). Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG, 17(12), 1519.
Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of gastroenterology, 28(2), 203.
Camilleri, M., Madsen, K., Spiller, R., Van Meerveld, B. G., & Verne, G. N. (2012). Intestinal barrier function in health and gastrointestinal disease. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 24(6), 503-512.
Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2017). The microbiome-gut-brain axis in health and disease. Gastroenterology Clinics, 46(1), 77-89.
Fasano, A. (2020). All disease begins in the (leaky) gut: role of zonulin-mediated gut permeability in the pathogenesis of some chronic inflammatory diseases. F1000Research, 9.
Marchesi, J. R., Adams, D. H., Fava, F., Hermes, G. D., Hirschfield, G. M., Hold, G., … & Hart, A. (2016). The gut microbiota and host health: a new clinical frontier. Gut, 65(2), 330-339.
Mu, Q., Kirby, J., Reilly, C. M., & Luo, X. M. (2017). Leaky gut as a danger signal for autoimmune diseases. Frontiers in immunology, 8, 598.
Thursby, E., & Juge, N. (2017). Introduction to the human gut microbiota. Biochemical journal, 474(11), 1823-1836.
Valles-Colomer, M., Falony, G., Darzi, Y., Tigchelaar, E. F., Wang, J., Tito, R. Y., … & Raes, J. (2019). The neuroactive potential of the human gut microbiota in quality of life and depression. Nature microbiology, 4(4), 623-632.
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