“I’m not making this up!” ….the truth about gut instinct

Last  week we talked about really narrowing in to recognizing “how you are feeling.”  So, how did your week go?  Did you notice anything different?

Confession time…..I left you hanging there at the end with the TBD on “Gut Instinct!” …..which I did for a reason 🙂  

I wanted to wait until this week to tell you that YOU HAVE TWO BRAINS!

Did you know this?  Do you believe me?  Okay, Okay, I know it sounds a bit on the wild side but it’s true.

It goes to show that our bodies were carefully and skillfully made. 

We have our brain, brain…aka noggin, then we have a brain in our gut. 

So, Kel, you’re telling me there’s a brain in my gut?  Does that mean I can start blaming things like forgetting my keys or burning dinner on this “other brain?” 🙂

What this means is that both brains are connected by the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) where our guts contain 100 million neurons.  Although they work independently from each other, one brain can do math, communicate, etc. and the other brain controls gut behavior, digestion, control blood flow, etc.

Johns Hopkins states, “If you’ve ever “gone with your gut” to make a decision or felt “butterflies in your stomach” when nervous, you’re likely getting signals from an unexpected source: your second brain.”  

70-80% of our immune system is in our guts.  This very fact is why it’s so important to understand what happens to the rest of our body with symptoms like stress, brain fog, skin rashes, autoimmune diseases, fatigue, etc. are directly related to the health of our guts.

Connecting the dots and understanding when stress, anxiety, nervousness, fear, doubt, etc. are present in our lives, the digestive/nervous system is activated on a much higher level.  When dealing with these hard times in our lives, if we concentrate on relaxing, breathing, deep breathing to your toes, exercising/moving, meditating, etc., you will have better control and also help prevent symptoms from arising.

Historically, individuals who suffered with Irritable Bowel Syndrome or digestive sensitivities were dismissed as “making it all up” or “eat more fiber” but in reality, this brain-gut connection has solved the mystery.

Johns Hopkins indicates how research shows the irritation in the GI tract may send signals to the Central Nervous System that trigger mood changes, thus depression, anxiety, nervousness, etc. are present.

AH-HA!  That explains it.

Now that you know this awesome piece of information about your body systems, what will you do with it?

Hopefully next time you have those butterflies in your stomach before making a grand speech, or going on a first date, or the excitement from patiently waiting for next week’s Kelli Michele newsletter (ha ha!), aim to remember breathing deep all the way to your toes!  And remember to always practice calmness.

Have a lovely week ahead!

xoxo,

Kelli Michele

Source: Johns Hopkins “The Brain-Gut Connection”

HUNGRY? New Gut-Approved Recipe!

http://www.happyhealthysouls.com.au/health/swiss-chard-seasonal-salad