You’ve probably used the phrases “I have butterflies in my stomach,” “I have a gut feeling about this” or “there’s a pit in my stomach.” Have you ever wondered why so many of these sayings involve our brains and tummies?

As it turns out, it’s not such a coincidence. In fact, the more we learn about the human gut, or our gut microbiome, the more it’s clear that it really is our “second brain". It may surprise you to learn that the state of your gut plays a huge role in cognitive functions like memory and learning. Your gut is your body’s largest microbiome. Beyond that, it also communicates with your brain in ways that affect how well you think. The science is discovering that the connection between our guts and our emotions is just as strong. The unique feature of the GI tract is that it is the only internal organ with its own complete nervous system that can operate totally independently of the brain and/or spinal cord". A hundred million neurotransmitters line the length of the gut, approximately the same number that is found in the brain.

Our bodies have two brains. There’s the one we all know about and a second one – in our guts. Both of these brains begin to form almost from the moment an egg is fertilized and develop from the same clump of tissue. As this embryonic tissue divides during fetal development, one section evolves into the central nervous system, another into the enteric nervous system. Later these two nervous systems connect via the vagus nerve – the longest of all the cranial nerves. The vagus nerve stretches from the brain stem through the neck and finally ends up in the abdomen providing a continuous two-way line of communication between the gut and the brain.

Why it is so important to take care of your second brain?

The gut’s brain and the head’s brain act the same way when they are deprived of input from the outside world. Our psychological, social and environmental factors can influence symptoms like pain and inflammation in the gut as well as how efficient our digestive process is. New Research suggests that some people with functional gastrointestinal tract (GI) disorders perceive pain more acutely than other people do because their brains do not properly regulate pain signals from the GI tract. Stress can make the existing pain seem even worse.

In addition to all this, almost 70% of the immune system is found in the gut. So keeping your gut healthy is doubly important. To do this requires a balance between the good and bacteria native to the human gut. In a healthy gut, the ‘good’ usually outnumber the bad; and when they flourish they also help to ferment organic acids into glucose, lower blood cholesterol, synthesize vitamins like vitamin B and K, break down the enzymes and fibers in food and boost the immune system.

How to take care of Your second brain?

1. Eat Probiotics

Probiotics means, A live micro-organisms when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." At birth, there are no bacteria present in your gut. However, this quickly changes. Everything you come into contact with passes bacteria to you, and you begin to collect bacteria and create your own gut flora colony. Eating such probiotic-rich foods, like kefir and yogurt, can cause your gut and mood to healthy. Probiotics are good bacteria that primarily line your gut and are responsible for nutrient absorption and supporting your immune system.

2. Avoid Processed Foods

For starters, a whole foods-based diet leads to a gut with a much different makeup than one that’s been fed mainly refined and processed foods. The added sugar found in these foods, often disguised as different types of artificial sweeteners, are responsible for a variety of health conditions, from obesity, IBS to type 2 diabetes to migraines.

3. Eat Healthy Fats

Are all fats bad for you? No, not all. the Healthy fats are essential for brain development. Olive oil and Avocado, for instance, includes a high amount of antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. It also helps improve memory and cognitive function and works as an anti-inflammatory.

4. Avoid antibiotics when possible

Antibiotics inhibit the growth of and destroy healthy microbiota along with the infectious bacteria. that's why some antibiotic causes diarrhea after its use. overuse of such antibiotic should avoid to protect your healthy bacteria.

5. Eat Nuts and Vegetables

Have a small handful of nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts and Brazil nuts. Why? They’re full of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that’s in short supply when you’re depressed. Vegetables provide our body with the nutrients it needs on a day-to-day basis and helps to maintain the general health of the colon, make sure its free from pesticides. and go for a gluten-free diet.

6. Quit bad habbits

As alcohol can negatively affect gut health, reduce your overall intake of alcohol and remember to drink more water. take plenty of sleep and rest. reduce your caffeine

7. Try a Gut-Resetting Cleanse

There are many methods exist to detoxify your intestine like Panchkarma or colon cleanse with the help of healthcare professionals. it delivers beneficial bacteria to the gut’s lining and prevents leaky gut

Now I would like to share,

Some herbal plants Strengthen and Soothe the Second Brain

• Phyllanthus niruri: It is a popular folk remedy with powerful medicinal properties. it supports a healthy microbiome in the gut.

• Terminalia chebula: Its one of the main ingredient of Triphala Churna(a herbal remedy in Ayurveda medicine)

• Paeonia lactiflora: It has historically been used in Chinese medicine as a blood tonic. Paeonia lactiflora (white peony root) is thought to help relieve nerve pain, migraine headaches, and stomach cramps. Recent animal studies suggest a neuroprotective activity.

• Bacopa monnieri : Bacopa monnieri (Waterhyssop and Brahmi) is an adaptogen often used to combat the effects of stress, including intestinal issues. Bacopa monnieri is also frequently used to support the treatment of cognitive deficits and to improve learning and memory.

Final Words

The gut is a weird, wonderful and intricate system that plays a much larger role than we imagine. Our understanding of the gut, it’s inner workings and the role of the microbiota is growing all the time. but as time passes one thing we can sure about that, "What we eat what we become". So next time when you eat. remember,

ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT. "YOUR BRAIN CAN BE PLAY TRICKS AND YOUR HEART CAN BLIND BUT YOUR GUT IS ALWAYS RIGHT IT DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO LIE".