Are the Gut and Brain Connected? How the Gut Environment Affects the Mind [Secrets of Health Learned from Brain Science]
Introduction
"I got a stomachache from stress."
"I get constipated when I'm nervous."
Have you ever had such an experience?
Actually,
the brain and the gut are closely related.
In recent brain science,
the mechanism of the
"gut-brain axis," where the gut and brain exchange information,
is attracting attention.
In this article,
we will introduce in an easy-to-understand way
how the gut environment affects mental health.
1. What is the "second brain" that connects the brain and the gut?
The gut contains
about 100 million nerve cells,
and is also called the "second brain".
This neural network is
It works autonomously, independently of the brain,
regulating digestion, absorption, immunity, and more.
Furthermore,
the gut and brain are
connected by a nerve called the vagus nerve,
and
information is sent not only from the brain to the gut
but also from the gut to the brain.
2. The Relationship Between Gut Environment and Mental Health
(1) Approximately 90% of the 'happiness hormone' serotonin is produced in the gut
Serotonin is a
neurotransmitter involved in mental stability and a sense of security
neurotransmitter.
Since the majority of it is produced in the gut,
it can be said that gut health supports mental health
.
(2) Gut bacteria affect the brain
In the gut,
there are good bacteria, bad bacteria, and opportunistic bacteria,
with over 100 trillion bacteria living there.
When this balance is disrupted,
symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability
can occuras
pointed out by multiple studies.
3. Three points for improving the gut environment
(1) Consume fermented foods
Fermented foods such as yogurt, miso, natto, and kimchi
help to
increase good bacteria in the gut.
(2) Be conscious of dietary fiber
Water-soluble dietary fiber found in
vegetables, seaweed, and legumesserves as
food for gut bacteria and
regulates the gut flora.
(3) Prioritize stress care
Excessive stress
disrupts gut function.
Moderate exercise, breathing techniques, and sleep habitsalso help
protect the gut environment.
Summary
The brain and gut
have an inseparable relationship.
When the mind is disturbed, the gut suffers
when the gut is disturbed, the mind becomes unstable.
That is why
to protect mental health,
a lifestyle that cares for the gutis important.
Today's diet and lifestyle habits
may be directly linked
to tomorrow's "mental stability."
"Brain health" starts with the gut
Please try to be conscious of this.
Thank you for reading this article.
Drawing from my experience of working as an elementary school teacher for about 30 years,
I am introducing "Secrets of Health Learned from Brain Science."
I have also published other articles in the "Secrets of Health" series.
Please take a look if you would like.
To you, who read until the end,
Thank you.
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