Ever had your stomach throw a tantrum before your brain even knew what was wrong? That’s your brain and gut gossiping about you I mean communicating to each other.

The Gut-Brain Axis (group-chat)

The Gut-Brain axis is the bidirectional communication between the brain and the digestive system. It involves your gut microbes, nervous system (especially the vagus nerve), endocrine system and immune system.

Your gut is not only for digestion it sends signal to your brain, and the brain signals back.

• Your gut microbe can influence mood, cognition, stress, etc.
• Disruptions in gut health have been linked to anxiety, depression and cognitive changes.
• Your gut and the brain have a bridge which monitors the way you eat/ lifestyle changes.

What happens when your gut is in panic mode?
When the gut microbe is disrupted thanks to stress, lifestyle changes and improper care, your gut sends a SOS signal to the brain. Your gut microbe produces metabolites, neurotransmitter, etc. you might feel tired, brain fog, digestive issues, anxiety as 90% of the serotonin is in the gut which is responsible for boosting warmth and goodness.

Good news you can redirect this and make your gut-brain relation work well!

• For starters, start by prepping healthy meals and have them on time!!! Timely meals are very essential as your gut will be expecting food but delay can cause growling, acidity, mood swings, and brain fog.
• Exercise is necessary to keep your body calm and relaxed.
• The less stressed you are the better gut and brain, try distracting by taking up new hobbies, breathing exercises, mediation and mindfulness.
• Get proper regular sleep, sleep is essential as when the body takes rest your digestive system start their little project which leads better lifestyle.

Evolution of gut-health disorders
As discussed, your gut has trillions of microbes that help break food, make nutrition, and even communicates to the brain. But if this gets out of balance, the good bacteria in the gut are lost, which can make the lining weak leading to microbes entering the bloodstream. This can cause your system to go into panic and make you feel bloated, gassy, stomach pain, etc. Your gut and brain are constantly communicating, stress from one can create discomfort and anxiety. But some people are genetically prone to gut issues, with stress and other issues can lead to digestive disorders.

This can be changed by taking proper care of gut by feeding and caring!!!!

WHEN TO REACH OUT FOR HELP!
If your gut is in constant bloating and panic, its time to check in with a professional.

Reach out if you notice:

• Persistent pain, bloating or irregular bowel movements
• Fatigue, low mood, or anxiety linked to your gut symptoms.
• Gut problems that disrupt your daily life.

You don’t have to do it alone, talk to a clinician, professional healthcare or dietician for proper care.

REFERENCES

Appleton J. (2018). The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 17(4), 28–32.

Abdel-Haq, R., Schlachetzki, J. C. M., Glass, C. K., and Mazmanian, S. K. (2019). Microbiome microglia connections via the gutâ brain axis. J. Exp. Med. 216, 41–59. doi: 10.1084/jem.20180794