In the intricate tapestry of our bodies, the gut and the brain are two of the most vital players. They communicate, influence, and even rely on each other in ways we are only beginning to understand. But what often goes unnoticed in this dynamic relationship is the central role played by the nervous system. In this exploration, we will uncover the profound link between the nervous system and gut health and understand why addressing the nervous system is the key to healing the gut.

The Gut: More Than Just Digestion

When we think of the gut, we often picture the digestive process - breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. However, the gut is far more than a simple processing plant, it is a complex system with its own intricate nervous system known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). This "second brain" in our abdomen consists of about 500 million neurons that can smell, taste, and even feel through the receptors in the microbiome. Psychobiotic bacteria in our bowels can communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve, sending signals about our mood.

Emotional Trauma: The Hidden Influence

Before we dive into the connection between the gut and the nervous system, it's crucial to understand the profound impact of emotional trauma. Traumatic experiences such as parental misattunement, abuse, neglect, abandonment, bullying, or discrimination, can lead to deep emotional wounds that often go unaddressed. If left unresolved, these wounds can manifest as various physical and psychological symptoms, including gut issues.

To comprehend the connection between emotional trauma and gut health, we must first understand how the nervous system responds to adversity. Our nervous system forms crucial survival mechanisms during the early developmental stages, from birth to early infancy. These mechanisms shape our emotional responses and coping strategies throughout life.

These adaptations can take the form of emotional numbness, shame about needing support, overthinking and intellectualizing emotions, avoidance of discomfort, disconnection from the body, and constant fear of being alone or overwhelmed by others. These survival adaptations profoundly impact the nervous system, often keeping it in a state of heightened alertness.

Stress Response: The Cortisol Connection

One of the key players in the nervous system's response to stress is cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. When emotional trauma remains unprocessed and unresolved, it can sensitize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the central stress response system. This heightened sensitivity makes an individual more reactive to stressors, leading to increased cortisol production by our adrenal glands.

Excessive cortisol production can have widespread effects on the body. It prioritizes functions necessary for immediate survival, such as the "fight or flight" response, while suppressing those deemed non-essential, including the immune system and digestion. Over time, prolonged stress can result in dysfunction in the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, ( reminder- all these systems sit in the gut), ultimately leading to chronic inflammation. This inflammation can have long-term consequences for both the body and the brain.

The Gut-Brain Axis: Where Nervous Systems Collide

Let's shift our focus to the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network connecting the CNS ( Central Nervous System) with the ENS ( Enteric Nervous System). This axis plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions, including digestion, mood, and even the immune system.

Within the gut, 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness, and 50% of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward, are produced. When conditions are optimal, these "feel-good" chemicals are synthesized by beneficial gut bacteria using amino acids and nutritional cofactors.

Nutrients like vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. When the body's ability to absorb these nutrients is compromised due to chronic stress and gut issues, it can contribute to anxiety and depression. For example:

• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain. Its production relies on several nutrients, including B vitamins, which can be depleted when the gut is not functioning optimally.

• Serotonin: As mentioned earlier, the majority of serotonin is produced in the gut. Adequate levels of certain nutrients, like tryptophan, are essential for serotonin synthesis. A compromised gut can hinder this process, potentially leading to mood disturbances.

• Dopamine: Dopamine production is influenced by nutrients like tyrosine and phenylalanine. When gut health is compromised, the body may struggle to generate sufficient dopamine, potentially contributing to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  
  

Stress and Gut Health: The Connection Unveiled

When stress becomes chronic due to unresolved emotional trauma and/or the environment, it can wreak havoc on the gut. Cortisol, in its role as a stress hormone, can adversely affect gut health in several ways:

• Disrupting Gut Flora: Prolonged stress can impair the balance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for proper digestion and overall well-being.

• Slowing Digestion: Cortisol can decrease the production of gastric acid and digestive enzymes, slowing down the digestive process. This slowdown can contribute to issues like bloating, discomfort, and indigestion.

• Inflammation: Chronic stress-induced inflammation can damage the delicate lining of the gut, leading to increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut." This heightened permeability can allow undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses and further inflammation.

Suppose you've experienced low gut motility, absorption issues, gut dysbiosis, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In that case, it may be an indication that your nervous system is dysregulated, and emotional trauma may be a contributing factor.

Nurturing The Nervous System

Supporting and nurturing your nervous system is crucial for your gut health, as it plays a central role in regulating various bodily functions, including stress responses, emotions, and mental health.

Here are some effective ways to support your nervous system:

• Nutrient and fiber-rich diet to support the healthy gut flora and its production of feel-good chemicals

  
  

• Avoiding stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and spicy food

  
  

• Body-felt exercises like somatic experiencing, dancing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing, to help the body release the stored tension

  
  

• Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow self-expression.

  
  

• Spend time in nature that has a soothing effect on the nervous system.

  
  

• Coregulate with others. Spend time with people who have a calming effect on you and make you feel safe.

  
  

• Strengthen your vagus nerve (which connects the gut with the brain) with daily humming or singing.

  
  

• Find a therapist to address the root cause of your issues and help you release the stored emotions in a safe space.  

  
  

Healing the gut and addressing the emotional trauma held within the nervous system go hand in hand. While dietary changes and supplements can certainly support the body's recovery from trauma, a comprehensive approach that uncovers the root causes is often the most effective.

One such program, Awaken Your Wellness, combines naturopathic medicine, energy healing, somatic parts therapy, and subconscious release techniques. This program seeks to identify the underlying reasons behind your symptoms and facilitate the release of stored trauma from the body. By doing so, it aims to regulate the nervous system, increase emotional capacity, and reconnect individuals with their bodies to foster a sense of safety and security.

Conclusion

The nervous system takes center stage in the intricate dance between the gut and the brain. It is the conductor orchestrating the communication between these vital systems. The journey to healing the gut often begins with acknowledging the nervous system's role in our overall well-being. By nurturing and supporting our nervous system, we unlock the potential for profound healing, not only in our gut but also in our emotional and mental health. Remember that this journey is a holistic one, and by taking steps to reduce stress, prioritize self-care, and seek professional support when needed, you can embark on a path toward a healthier, more balanced life where your nervous system thrives.

About the author: Hanna Hanula is a recognized holistic wellness expert, holding several certifications mainly in Nutrition, Somatic Trauma Therapy, NLP and Hypnosis, who is passionate about Gut and Mental Health. She is the creator of Awaken Your Wellness program and Happybiome- 4-week nutritional program to ease anxiety and depression symptoms.