In addition to the nervous system that begins with our brain, there is a nervous system in the gut called the enteric nervous system, which sends signals to the brain and vice versa, (to learn more read Michael Gershon, M.D.s book ‘The Second Brain’.)
If you are anxious, depressed, or stressed, you may notice that your desire for food is different or your digestion is off. Stress hormones can shut down digestion (which results in constipation) or speed it up (which results in diarrhea).
The Digestive System Actually Produces More Neurotransmitters Than The Brain Does. In fact it is estimated that 95% of the neurotransmitters produced in the body come from the gut and only 5% comes from the brain. This is why people experience a better sense of well being when their gut is healthy. I suspect that many men, women and children could avoid antidepressants and psychotropic medications altogether just by supporting their digestive system with healthy foods and an excellent probiotic such as Vive Biotics. How many of us reach for a sugary treat when stressed? This is a short-term (and unhealthy) way to make the neurotransmitters your body needs to restore your emotional equilibrium as it increases the production of serotonin (happy feel good neurotransmitter) and endorphin (block pain neurotransmitter). Thus people are eating away their physical and emotional pain, and that is why high sugar snacks are also known as comfort food.
