Meet your Second Brain: The Gut
The gut has been referred to as the ‘Second Brain’ and some even call it the ‘First Brain’
Who’s the boss? Gut microbes communicate in a range of ways with the brain & vice versa. Both gut & brain are inextricably linked.
“ We are now faced with the possibility of both prevention and treatment of neurological/neuropsychiatric difficulties via proper gut health.”
We all have a microbiome, and they are as unique as our neural pathways
“ Research has shown that the body is actually composed of more bacteria than cells. We are more bug than human! Collectively, these trillions of bacteria are called the microbiome. Most of those bacteria reside in our gut, sometimes referred to as the gut microbiota, and they play multiple roles in our overall health.
The gut is no longer seen as an entity with the sole purpose of helping with all aspects of digestion. It’s also being considered as a key player in regulating inflammation and immunity.
Poor gut health has been implicated in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Disturbances in gut health have been linked to multiple sclerosis, autistic spectrum disorders, and Parkinson’s disease. This is potentially related to pro-inflammatory states elicited by gut dysbiosis-microbial imbalance. ”
“ Both physical and mental health go hand-in-hand ”
Extracts from ‘Meet Your Second Brain: The Gut’
Author Jennifer Wolkin
Meet the ‘First Brain’
Alessio Fasano M.D. Paediatric Gastroenterologist Professor at Harvard University has called the gut the ‘First Brain’ after seeing how influential it’s role really is. For a very deep dive into his work, check out his talk ‘The gut is not like Las Vegas’.