Written by: Libby Thoma | Freelancer

It is well known that the brain, through emotion, can trigger an upset stomach. This spans from throwing up due to anxiety to being unable to eat during depression. It is less commonly known that this connection goes both ways. 

The gut-brain connection is the idea that the gut and the brain directly affect each other. The main component of this connection is the enteric nervous system — otherwise known as the ENS — that spans from your gastrointestinal tract to your rectum. The ENS’s main role is digestion, and although the ENS doesn’t think the way we picture thinking, there is a lot of communication between the ENS and the brain. An upset ENS, which may or may not be noticeable, may cause emotional and mood shifts, coupled with an increase in the risk for mental illness, mainly depression and anxiety. The ENS is known as a second brain, which can’t think in the way we presume a thought process is, but does play a role in controlling emotions and mental illness.

Generally, these risks are caused by bowel problems including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, IBS and general stomach upset. The importance of studying this phenomenon is high, due to up to 40% of the population having these problems at some point in their life. 

The study of the gut brain connection is also important due to the fact that it can lead to treatment. This treatment includes soothing both the brain and the “second brain”. 

Antidepressants and cognitive therapy are generally thought to help, but gastroenterologists and medication for stomach issues also help. Treatment has to target both brains to be fully effective. One may also try switching to a healthier diet to help improve the state of both brains. 

The gut-brain connection is a key component to understanding mental illness and the overall unwell mind. It can also unlock an understanding of overall stomach upset. The connection continues to be studied and more information has come out annually, improving the status of treatment options. The gut-brain connection is important and can help millions of people improve their quality of life. 

Contact the author at ethoma@wou.edu