What the gut reveals about emotions
Spoiler: Your gut thinks for you – and sometimes even before you do. What research has long confirmed is often overlooked in everyday life: The gut can be linked to emotional well-being. But how exactly does it work? And how can you specifically support your gut in everyday life?
Our gut is a real all-rounder. It has its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system (ENS) – also known as the “gut brain”. It consists of around 100 million nerve cells and works closely with the central nervous system (CNS). This complex interaction is known as the gut-brain axis.
Communication between the gut and head is not a one-way street. The gut sends signals to the brain via various channels – and also receives them. This communication takes place via four main channels:
Neuronal – via the vagus nerve:
The vagus nerve is the most important connection between the brain and the digestive system. It works like a high-speed line – in both directions. Interesting fact: over 80% of signals travel from the gut to the brain, not the other way around.
Hormonal – through neurotransmitters:
Cells in the intestinal wall produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA. These neurotransmitters are associated with emotional processes and can act in the body in various ways – partly via the nervous system and partly via hormonal signaling pathways. Around 90 % of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract!
Immunological – via the immune system:
Around 70 % of the human immune system is located in the gut. If the microbial balance is upset, inflammatory processes can develop.
Microbial – through the intestinal flora:
The intestinal microbiome – i.e. the entirety of all microorganisms in the intestine – is increasingly being linked to neurological and psychological processes in research. Certain types of bacteria are able to produce substances that can have an effect on the nervous system – including neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine or acetylcholine.
Even though your gut does not formulate thoughts, it is closely connected to your experience. Studies suggest that a balanced gut flora can be associated with inner balance.
Of course, emotional well-being is a combination of many factors – including diet, exercise, sleep, environmental stimuli and thought patterns. However, the gut seems to play a role that we should not underestimate.
