Understanding The Gut-Brain Connection

As everyone knows, the brain is a complex organ housed in the skull. Your brain is responsible for handling every one of your body's functions, both conscious and unconscious. However, modern research is revealing that there is a actually "second brain" - one responsible for its fair share of bodily functions and emotions. Believe it or not, this second brain is actually housed inside your gut. The Lime in the Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy is here to help you get a better understanding of this second brain.

The Brain In Your Gut

Though the concept of having a "brain" in your gut may seem odd at first, we're willing to bet that you are already more familiar with it than you realize. We commonly tell people to "go with your gut," the sensation of "butterflies in the stomach" is a common nervous reaction, and you may feel "sick to your stomach" when you think about a painful, unpleasant, or gruesome experience. These examples are everyday indicators of that which we have always known deep down - our gut is more than a static system of organs. The trick is learning to listen to what the brain in our gut is trying to tell us.

What The Second Brain Controls

The brain in your gut cannot form rational thoughts or logic its way through a problem like the brain in your head can. Instead, the gut brain's primary responsibility is controlling digestion. It manages every step of this complex (and crucial) biological process, from breaking down and absorbing nutrients to eliminating waste. 

For many years, people have been well aware of the way certain emotions and mental health conditions impact the gastrointestinal system. It is not uncommon for individuals with chronic anxiety, stress, or depression to experience a number of gastrointestinal problems like bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach, etc. Short-term bursts of adrenaline can also disrupt the digestive system and cause loose stools, stomach cramping, or other complaints.

However, modern science has recently discovered that in some cases, things may not always happen in this order. In some situations, gastrointestinal health problems may actually cause mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression - it is not always the other way around.

Overall Health Is A Two-Way Street

The brain in your head and the brain in your gut are closely linked. In order to maintain optimum health, both brains must be tended to. Just as stress-relieving activities such as yoga, bubble baths, reading, and coloring are important, so are things that promote gut health. Here are a few examples of things you can do to improve gut health.

• Take a probiotic.
• Diversify your diet to include a wide range of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Eat fermented, probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, Greek yogurt, and kombucha.
• Reduce the amount of artificial sweeteners you consume.

Studies also show that breastfeeding for at least six months is an important way to promote gut health in babies. Setting the stage for proper gut health from the very beginning can greatly contribute to better gut health later in life.

The Lime In The Coconut - Your Resource For Gut Health

At our compounding pharmacy at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are keenly aware of the relationship between the brain and the gut, as well as the importance of keeping both these systems healthy. We are proud to sell an elite line of probiotic supplements designed to help our clients maintain healthy gastrointestinal systems. If you would like to learn more about probiotics or gut health, call 573-964-6786 or stop by our pharmacy in Lake Ozark, MO and talk to one of our experienced team members.

The Lime In The Coconut Specialty Compounding Pharmacy

Feel As Good On The Inside As You Do On The Outside!

Like Us On Facebook

Follow Us On Twitter

Connect With Us On LinkedIn

+1 Us On Google+

111 Crossings West, Suite 6

PO Box 2145

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 964-6786 

Hours:
Monday-Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM