Have you ever felt “butterflies” in your stomach or had “ a gut feeling”.
One of the greatest examples of the mind-body connection is the way our gut and our thoughts & feelings are interrelated. In fact, there is a scientific name for this connection called the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). This fascinating communication has captured the attention of many researchers in the areas of mood changes, diabetes, and metabolism.
Contrary to popular belief, the neurotransmitter serotonin-known for its mood-regulating role- is mostly made in the gut. In fact, 90% of serotonin is produced by the enteric nervous system in the gut. Based on this, a functional medicine approach to help resolve anxiety and depression is to address gut inflammation and imbalance. Many symptoms we attribute to imbalances elsewhere in the body, often are caused by a gut issue.
Another common symptom- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is commonly dismissed as an inconvenience or sometimes treated with medication. IBS can cause discomfort, inconvenience, and more importantly nutrient malabsorption. Serotonin actually plays a large role in our gut motility- how fast or slow our bowels move. Over-synthesis of serotonin can contribute to diarrhea, while under-production can lead to constipation. Again, addressing the imbalance or inflammatory causes leading to over or under production of serotonin in the gut can yield to true resolution of a common ailment for many.
If you think your gut might be trying to tell you something, find a functional health care provider who can help you interpret what it is saying.
