Understanding The Gut-Brain Connection: The Basics

You know that expression “I’ve just got a gut feeling”? There’s more to it than you might think. In this series, we’re going to be de-mystifying the links between the gut and the brain, explaining exactly how they are connected, and delving into all of the knock-on effects the connection has on our overall well-being. Let’s kick things off with the basics.

What is the Gut-Brain Axis?

The communication network that connects your brain and your gut is referred to as the gut-brain axis. The pair of organs are interconnected and influence each other’s functioning to a great degree. They are linked both in a biochemical sense and a physical sense. 

How are the gut and the brain linked?

So, how is it that the brain and the gut are connected? Let’s discuss the key areas:

Neurotransmitters 

Chemicals called neurotransmitters and hormones are produced within the brain and are involved in the control of emotions and feelings. These neurotransmitters, for example, the happiness monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin, are part of what connects your gut and your brain. 

How does this make sense? Well, your gut is actually hugely involved in the production of these neurotransmitters. For instance, a significant percentage of our serotonin is formed within the gut. 

Another neurotransmitter called GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is also produced by your gut microbes. This aids in controlling feelings of anxiety and depressive symptoms. 

The Nervous System and the Vagus Nerve

In addition to this, the sophisticated network of neurons called the ENS, or enteric nervous system is at the core of the brain-gut connection. Sometimes known as the second brain, this network is embedded into the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Although this system operates independently, it also sustains continuous communication with the CNS, or central nervous system.

One of the largest nerves that links the gut and the brain is the vagus nerve, sending signals in both directions, allowing the gut to direct signals that influence stress levels, mood, and cognitive function, and, simultaneously, the brain to influence the functions of the gut, such as blood flow, motility, and secretion. 

Now we’ve covered the fundamentals of what the gut-brain axis is and how the brain is linked to the gut, stay tuned for more in this series. We’ll be talking about what this means for gut health, brain health, mental health, plus, what you can do to keep your gut-brain axis in good condition, and a whole lot more.