Your digestive system, also known as your gut, does not reason, write poetry, or solve math problems but it sure is essential beyond simple digestion.
And here’s why.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is our second brain or as some would call it “the gut’s brain,” because it can operate independently from the central nervous system (CNS). There is an exchange between the gut and the brain, this communication affects the way we feel and value GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms, it changes the quality of our lives.
When we see something tasty, the brain signals the gut to prepare to eat. When we feel anxious, we feel butterflies. When we feel stressed or nervous, we might experience abdominal pain, nausea or even diarrhea.
The communication between your digestive system and brain is called the gut-brain axis. Your digestive system is often known as the body’s largest immune organ. It is our body’s biggest area of mucosal contact with the environment and contains as many as 70% of all antibody- producing cells. Because of this, the digestive system is also a vital part of the body’s defense system.
Researchers are finding scientific proof that irritation in the gut may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes. These scientific research discoveries will be able to answer questions on why a large number of people who have irritable bowel syndrome or other bowel problems develop signs of depression and/or anxiety. Finding answers to this correlation is very important since up to 30% of Americans have some type of functional bowel problem.
The digestive system and its microbes play an important role in our immune system by controlling what is passed into the body and what is excreted.
Ultimately when the health of the digestive system is compromised, it can also affect brain health.
vibi+® can help keep your digestive health along with your brain health and help keep your immunity in check by providing 27% of the daily value of dietary fiber consumption from quality prebiotic fiber.
Consult your health care provider before making any strict changes to your diet.
Rooks. MG1, Garrett WS. Nat Rev Immunol. 2016 May 27;16(6):341-52. doi: 10.1038/nri.2016.42.Gut microbiota, metabolites and host immunity.
