Body Keeps the Score – The Gut-Brain Connection Nobody Told You About
4 hours ago
- #gut-brain connection
- #mental health
- #neuroscience
- 95% of the body's serotonin, a key chemical for happiness and mental wellbeing, is produced in the gut, not the brain.
- The gut contains about 500 million neurons, forming the enteric nervous system or 'second brain,' which can operate independently from the brain.
- The vagus nerve primarily sends signals (80-90%) from the gut to the brain, influencing emotions and mood, rather than the other way around.
- The gut microbiome, consisting of about 38 trillion microbial cells, produces neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin and communicates with the brain.
- Factors like chronic stress, antibiotics, and ultra-processed foods can disrupt the microbiome, leading to increased anxiety and inflammation.
- To support gut-brain health, evidence-backed strategies include consuming fermented foods, prebiotic fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, reducing ultra-processed foods, and activating the vagus nerve.