Gut Instincts: The Brain in your belly

March 12th, 2007

According to one biological theory that is gaining more and more acceptance, you have an extra brain.

It’s called the enteric nervous system, and is a collection of neural tissue that wraps in sheaths around your digestive tract, from esophagus to colon. It is fairly well separated from the cranial brain, growing independently during fetal development, and only later being joined by the Vagus nerve.

It is speculated that “nervous stomach” conditions such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome may be caused the enteric nervous system. The discipline of neurogastroenterology is studying the connection between these (and other) disorders and the “belly brain”.

For more information:
Complex and Hidden Brain in Gut Makes Stomachaches and Butterflies [NYTimes]

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Entry Filed under: Freaky, General Health, Stress

2 Comments Add your own

1. Safe Computing Tips | August 1st, 2007 at 9:39 am

Hello Kevin,

You have a wonderful blog on health…but seems like you are on vacation or blogging break or moved to other place…aren’t you?? Please keep the good work going on….
2. Kevin | August 2nd, 2007 at 9:02 am

Hi Safe Computing Tips,

Yes, I’ve by and large replaced this blog with the Health Hacks Podcast (www.healthhackspodcast.com) where I’ve been working with a team of great contributors for most of the past year.

As I look to spend time recording a new album this summer and fall, I’m looking for a new host for that show, though. If you know anyone, send them my way!

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