YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Autumn 2018 | Page 5

FUN FACT
Approximately 85 per cent of serotonin is located in
the gut lining.
fact, it has its own nervous system called ‘the enteric nervous
system (ENS)’. The ENS works with your brain (the central
nervous system
or CNS); however, it can also work
independently of it. The role of the ENS is to coordinate and
control gastrointestinal functions including secreting digestive
juices, moving digested food, and moving mucus throughout
the digestive tract. The ENS is also responsible for the blood
flow that is vital for normal digestive processes. The ENS and
the CNS come together to form the brain-gut axis, also called
the ‘brain-gut connection’, and communication between the
CNS and ENS is bidirectional, which means that the brain/
mind affects the gut, and vice-versa.
How do emotions affect the gut?
A new and exciting area of research is in the gut-microbiota.
Although the research is still in its infancy, studies have shown
the gut microbiome may influence emotions and vice versa.
Because our digestive system and emotions are closely tied it is
not uncommon for us to use our digestive experiences to
describe the way we feel. For example, ‘that was gut-wrenching’,
‘I feel sick to my stomach’, and ‘I have butterflies in my stomach’,
to name a few.
In order to get the blood to the muscles quickly, the heart
beats faster and your breathing becomes quicker so as to
supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
Stress and anxiety can also release a hormone called
corticotropin releasing factor or CRF, which has a direct effect
on the digestive system. It increases the sensitivity of the gut,
delays gastric emptying of the stomach, and increases the
motility (movement) of the bowel, which is why you sometimes
need to go to the toilet when feeling stressed. This is the
normal response of the digestive system.
Although there are other changes occurring in your body at
this time, these are the most commonly noticeable.
Psychological therapies for gut problems
ALTHOUGH THE RESEARCH IS
STILL IN ITS INFANCY, STUDIES
HAVE SHOWN THE GUT
MICROBIOME MAY INFLUENCE
EMOTIONS AND VICE VERSA.
When you are stressed your brain is perceiving a potentially
threatening situation. This threat response activates the
release of adrenalin and noradrenalin into your body, which
causes the blood vessels in the major muscles to dilate. This
allows more blood, nutrients and oxygen to be provided to
those muscles that will help you either run away or fight (the
well-known ‘fight or flight response’). When you are in fight/
flight, your digestive system slows down to divert that blood
and energy to your muscles. It also causes your body to heat
up, which is why you sweat during episodes of fear or anger.
Because of the link between the gut and the mind, psychological
therapies have been found to be helpful in managing functional
gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in adults and children. Such
therapies include gut-directed hypnotherapy, cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. The aims of these
therapies include:
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reducing abdominal pain and symptoms
helping reduce medications
reducing anxiety
improving mood
helping return to work
improving self-confidence, especially around food and
social situations
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To learn more about the brain’s influence on the gut or vice
versa visit www.thegutcentre.com
To read the full Brain-Gut Connection & Beneficial Therapies
article, click here
AUTUMN 2018 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE
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