The Body’s Second Brain: The Gut Microbiome

Aug 31, 2022

Each of us has a unique gut microbiome.

Most people think of bacteria within the body as a cause of getting sick or developing certain diseases, but the reality is that at all times there are billions of beneficial bacteria within all of us. Bacteria make up our gut microbiome, an internal ecosystem that benefits our gut health and the immune system.

The microbiome is defined as a “community of microbes.”

And the majority of the bacterial l species that make up our microbiome live in our digestive system. According to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Colorado, “the human microbiota consists of the 10–100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells harbored by each person, primarily bacteria in the gut. The human ‘microbiome’ consists of the genes these cells harbor.”

The scientific community recognizes the important role that bacteria have in supporting a strong immune system. And that some bacteria are vital for boosting immunity, keeping our digestive systems running smoothly, our hormone levels balanced and our brains working properly.

This leads us to our Second Brain.

If you have 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.

Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, this “brain in your gut” is having a major impact on the field of medicine and the understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health and even the way you think.

Scientists call this “second brain” the enteric nervous system (ENS). It is two layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your entire gastrointestinal tract – from the esophagus to the rectum.

As explained by Jay Pasricha, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Neurogatroenterology, whose research on the enteric nervous system is respected internationally, “The ENS doesn’t seem capable of thoughts we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain – with profound results. Its main role is controlling digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination.”

The important piece of information at this point is that the ENS has a direct effect on our emotional and mental well-being. It was once thought that our emotions such as anxiety and depression were the contributing factors to various gut problems. But the researchers today are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system is sending signals to the central nervous system (CNS) and that is what is triggering mood changes and swinging emotional levels.

Why is this important?

When we know the cause of a problem we can then work to fix or heal or cure the cause. Understanding that our gut health is vital to our brain health means that we can be a part of the solution to our emotional and mental challenges. This doesn’t mean that eating certain foods will prevent us from being angry. What it does mean is that if our mood swings are wide or we suffer more than just ‘the blues’ and actually experience depression, we can be a part of the solution by changing our eating habits and reducing the stress in our lives to take care of our gut, which in turn will take care of our mental and emotional health.

Recent Posts

Archives

well humans logo

Fix Your Gut and Feel Your Best

carla alpert functional medicine practitioner

Hello and Welcome! My name is Carla Alpert, and I’m a Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach and Diagnostic Practitioner, focusing on the gut and how it affects your overall health. Think of me as a health detective and wellness coach working in partnership with you to restore your health. We work together to uncover the contributing factors to your chronic symptoms, to eat well, sleep well, move more and stress less.

I love the GI MAP test because it helps my clients and I discover gut dysfunction that may be contributing to daily digestive issues as well as other chronic symptoms like anxiety, fatigue and brain fog. I created this GI MAP Coaching Package to help you stop struggling with your health and get back to living your best life.

functional medicine health coaching logos

What Clients Are Saying

Carla really helped me to figure out my gut pain and issues after so many years. I finally feel like I have energy and clarity around my health! She was so easy to talk to and helped me discover problem areas that were causing me so much distress, when no other doctors could help.
VICTORIA

Well Humans changed my life. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis accompanied by chronic hives. It sprang up out of nowhere and caused bizarre “food allergies” that I’d never had before. Because of Carla’s coaching and dietary recommendations as well as GI Map testing, I can happily say that I am now symptom-free, and I have been in remission for over a year now. All of the doctors I saw told me I would have to deal with my symptoms because there was no cure, but here I am, back to living a mostly normal life. I highly recommend Carla and Well Humans for anyone looking for real answers and treatments that work.
KALYN

When working with Carla, you are in capable, compassionate, knowledgeable and caring hands. Carla truly cares about your well being and wants to help you be the healthiest that you can be. My health was truly suffering and with her guidance and suggested testing, we uncovered some issues that nobody else had uncovered, despite my going to some of the top rated medical institutions. My health and pain improved greatly due to Carla’s sleuthing…she knew where to look. Through many health challenges, I was quite emotional and Carla showed me what compassion looks like. If you want to truly improve your health, start with Well Humans.
BETH

Over years, I’ve tried various “alternative” medicine as well as conventional “western” medicine approaches. Skin ailments are hard to treat – so many aspects of a life can produce skin symptoms. I enthusiastically recommend Well Humans and Carla for a simple reason – I’ve experienced sustained, substantial improvement! I have hardly ever posted a review of anything, but writing this was an easy choice to make. I wish you all the best in your journey towards better health!
JON

I searched the U.S. to find someone who does what Carla does. Carla has used her knowledge, support and expertise to optimize my health and well-being with a blend of scientific medical tests, supplements and diet changes. I wasted a lot of time on my hunches, the internet and experiments with supplements and food and NOW i have an actual plan. Superb supportive knowledge and guidance. I highly recommend Carla. Grateful.
LISA

I never knew that I had a gluten allergy and intolerance until Carla discovered it in my blood work! I’m so grateful that she made this discovery and I have been gluten free ever since. I sleep better, don’t feel bloated and have much more energy. It was a life-changing insight.
ROB

Carla is very knowledgeable and kind. She helped me navigate a health issue with grace and the utmost care. Carla goes above and beyond with her clients and I highly recommend her. She genuinely cares!
ALLISON

I have been working with Carla for quite some time and she has helped me turn my life and health around. She is non-judgmental, and always wants the best for her clients. She is extremely knowledgeable and has a fantastic bedside manner. She has truly changed my life for the better and I will always be grateful for everything she has done.
ROB

Pin It on Pinterest