Although many people still do not realize it, the gut feelings that we get on an almost daily basis actually do have a scientific basis. Up until recently, most scientists and physicians did not believe that sensations such as having butterflies in the stomach had a physiological as well as a psychological component. However, now, thanks to studying the enteric system, more and more health and science professionals are realizing the link between what we are feeling in our stomachs and what is going on around us. Although this system still needs to be researched more thoroughly in order to understand all of its complexities and implications, the most recent findings are already showing just how much of an impact the enteric nervous system has on our bodies and in our lives.
The enteric system is comprised of the tissue linings of our stomach, small intestine, colon, and oesophagus. Although it is located quite far from our brain, relatively speaking, the system of neurons, neurotransmitters, and proteins that make it up work in conjunction with our brain cells. Because of this interdependence and connectedness, it only stands to reason that stomach problems and gut feelings are not simply things that should be chalked off, but are rather an important indicator of what is going on elsewhere in our bodies, in our minds, and in our environment as well.
Because of the ability of our enteric system to affect our brain and vice versa, it is important to realize that stomach and digestive issues can cause mental distress, but also that this mental distress can, in turn, cause problems with our digestive tract as well. However, beyond physical symptoms in our gut and a poor mental outlook or irritability, our enteric nervous system can also account for the commonly reported feeling of having butterflies in the stomach.
As the enteric nervous system and the brain are inextricably linked, it only makes sense that we feel nervous both in our heads as well as in our stomachs. Whether it registers first in our “gut’s brain” or in the brain located in our head is still unknown. However, the hunches and nervousness that we tend to feel in our stomach should not be ignored or cast aside simply because we are not necessarily registering them logically. Knowing about the relationship between our enteric system and our mind inevitably has many implications when it comes to our physical problems as well as difficulties that we may be having in our minds and in our lives.
