THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION
A lot is going on in your gut. Did you know that it houses an estimated 30 to 100 trillion microorganisms? On top of that, there are around 100 to 200 million nerve cells in the gut that form the so-called “enteric nervous system”. This system independently and subconsciously regulates the gut’s most essential functions, such as determining which food components are absorbed or excreted and regulating blood flow.
Communication between the gut and brain
Your gut is constantly communicating with the brain via the gut-brain axis. This happens in two ways: directly through nerves (especially the central vagus nerve) and indirectly through chemical messengers in the blood. Researchers suggest that the gut unconsciously sends about 90% of this information to the brain.
Influences
The gut and brain influence each other in both positive and negative ways. For example, certain bacteria can produce metabolic substances that affect digestion and mood, and psychological stress can negatively impact gut function. Serotonin, an interesting neurotransmitter often called the “happiness hormone”, is mostly produced in the gut. Even though it cannot cross into the brain, it affects your mood by stimulating the limbic system and the emotional centre via the vagus nerve.
What to do during stressful times
When life gets stressful, it’s worth paying particular attention to your gut health. Chronic stress can disrupt gut function and the microbiome, worsening psychological stress. Breaking this stress cycle requires targeted countermeasures, such as mindful, balanced, healthy eating and regular exercise. The goal is to build a resilient, balanced, and healthy microbiome, making you more stress-resilient and mentally stronger. Put simply, you’ll feel better.
Increasing Stress Resilience Through Mayr “Time-Out”
Taking a Mayr “time-out” can work wonders before stressful times hit. Fasting, for instance, resets the gut by eliminating harmful substances and toxins, benefiting your immune system (as nearly 80% of all immune responses occur in the gut). This improves and strengthens your gut health for the long term, significantly boosting your mental fitness and stress resilience.
