Gut Instincts
Posted by Marie Reynolds onListen to your gut! A valid piece of advice given to me by my father, one that has never, ever failed me. Even now if I feel overwhelmed with ‘stuff’, I always stop and listen to my gut.
We all know how our tummy can be affected through stress and trauma, how many times have we been given some bad news and instantly our stomachs churn, feeling as though we are going to throw up or have an evacuation of the bowel!
The gut has a hundred million neurons and has the greatest amount of serotonin, a chemical produced by the body that enables brain and nerve cells to communicate with one another. Too little serotonin in the brain is thought to play a role in depression. Studies have shown that an increase in serotonin in the gut is linked to Anorexia Nervosa and if the gene responsible for transporting serotonin is lacking, IBS is present.
Almost every neurotransmitter that is found in the brain is also found in the gut it is known as the ‘second brain’, it is also the only organ of the body that can function without the brain. IF the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the gut, is damaged or severed the gut can still function.
Constipation, diarrhea, bowel spasms, IBS are all influenced by psychological experiences. Stress, anxiety, fear of letting go, closed mind, stored anger and frustration all have an impact on the gut, as well as excitement, being in love and sexual behavior.
By week six the fetus’ spine, mid brain (limbic system -fight or flight, long-term memory, emotion) and gut are formed, sprung from the primitive streak or the first line of fascia that all link with emotional responses from child to adulthood.
Your gut is an amazing barometer, it picks up on negative environments, thoughts and emotions and will literally speak to you through cramping, trembling tummy, sweaty palms or just that indescribable ‘niggle’ you may have, you know the type you may have when you meet someone who, on the surface is lovely and you can not find a reason to dislike but there is something you can’t quite put your finger on, I am sure you have experienced this at one time or another.
Anxiety is a whole different ball game when we come to gut health, anxiety is born from learned behaviors or fears, it is a path that has to be taken with mind, breathing and relaxation techniques to manage but can have severe physical reactions to the gut. Diarrhoea, bowel spasms, IBS are classic symptoms. Other symptoms from pent-up stress, is an increase in acid causing reflux, indigestion, colitis, crohn’s disease.
Even arthritis and constipation can be linked to those individuals who literally hold on to emotional ‘crap’ and can’t let go, they procrastinate over things with anger and frustration.
The gut also shows signs on the face through the skin, excess acid will show up on the outside of the arms, thighs and buttocks as well as the face. The lips also give clues on gut health, lack of oxygen, too much acid, ‘furred pipes’, even too much moisture.go with your gut feeling – advice or motivational reminder on a
So apart from the obvious of a healthy diet and lifestyle always listen to your gut, not only when it is screaming at you to re-evaluate what you eat and when but also about the environment you live and work in as well as choices you make in life… you wont go far wrong!
For help with any of the conditions above Bowen Sense is the way forward!
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