The human brain is the source for all major activities and processes of our bodies, and our different body systems work together to maintain body functions. Since an individual’s mental health is influenced by thoughts, emotions, life experiences, and physical functioning, a review of the body’s interconnected systems can assist with understanding causes and effects of mental health symptoms. Scientists have come to understand that we have a “second brain” in the gut, called the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). John Hopkins Medicine describes the ENS as two thin layers of over 100 million nerve cells that line the gastrointestinal tract.
Mental Health America states that the brain and gut are connected physically by the vagus nerve that controls messages between the two entities, and connected chemically through hormones and neurotransmitters. Thus, the concept of the brain-gut connection illustrates the interconnectedness between digestion, mood, health, and cognition. As noted by Jay Pasricha, M.D., Director of John Hopkins Center for Neurogastroenterology, one of the many functions of ENS is its bidirectional communication with our brain, and the correlation between physical and emotional functioning. For instance, scientists have found evidence that gastrointestinal (GI) irritation such as irritable bowel syndrome may send signals to the central nervous system which triggers changes in mood, thus the GI tract is sensitive to emotion. This is supported in the research of comorbid depression and anxiety among those with bowel problems, which means that preexisting GI issues can worsen with mental health symptoms, and GI symptoms can arise with the onset of emotional distress.
In considering individuals whose mental health is affected, stress and anxiety can cause contractions and movement in the GI tract, which indicates that there are physical and psychosocial factors involved in such conditions. The term “gut wrenching” illustrates this experience, in which an event or new information that is anxiety-provoking or overwhelmingly stressful is felt and experienced physically in the stomach area, such as losing one’s appetite, cramping, bloating, inflammation, or feeling “butterflies”. The contrast between the sympathetic “fight or flight” system versus the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system also impacts the speed and functioning of the digestive system.
Why does this matter to those of us giving or receiving health treatment? Because psychosomatic symptoms involving the mind and body can be one of the presenting ailments observed either as a patient or as a treating mental health or medical professional. By acknowledging this strong mind-body or brain-gut connection, treatment approaches and tools for healing can integrate interventions such as relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation/mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises) as a way to improve mood, decrease stress/anxiety, decrease inflammation, and improve gastrointestinal and digestive symptoms, all of which can assist with more optimal outcomes rather than having to rely solely on medical treatments. Finally, the application of the brain-gut connection suggests a need to focus on diet and nutrition in order to improve the gut microorganisms that protects us against germs and produces nutrients for the body. With an increased awareness of the interconnection between the brain and the gut, we can improve quality of life by utilizing interventions that help target and improve the mind-body systems.