I’m sure you’ve heard the term “gut health” floating around a lot over the past few years. If you haven’t… then I’ll assume you’ve been living deep in the Amazon rainforest with no connection to the outside world.
Whether you’re up to date with the latest health and wellness trends or just starting your own healing journey, gut health is a hot topic—and for good reason. But what does gut health really mean, and why is it so important for both our physical and mental well-being?
Let’s start by exploring the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the body’s “second brain.” This intricate network of neurons is embedded in the lining of your gastrointestinal tract and plays a key role in managing the movement (motility) of your gut. Yep—your digestive system actually has its own nervous system, and it’s in constant communication with your brain.
So, how exactly do these two systems stay in touch? Enter the vagus nerve—your body’s information superhighway that stretches from the brain all the way down to the gut. Pretty amazing, right?
This area of research is exploding right now, and for good reason. Scientists are discovering just how important the ENS is—not only for digestion but for your entire body. When your digestive system isn’t working properly, it can create a ripple effect, impacting every other organ system… including your brain. In fact, gut inflammation is often linked to brain inflammation, which can show up as mood swings, anxiety, depression, or brain fog.
By understanding how the ENS works, we can better address a range of health concerns, from fatigue and low mood to chronic pain. The best part? By supporting your gut, you can boost energy, improve focus, and build emotional resilience.
A Few Essential Things to Know About the Enteric Nervous System
Constant Communication
The ENS and brain are in a constant loop, sending messages back and forth all day long. This ongoing dialogue—called the gut-brain axis—means that what happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut. A well-functioning digestive system sends signals that support a balanced mood, sharper mental focus, and stable emotions. But if the gut is inflamed or sluggish, it can lead to brain fog, low energy, irritability, and anxiety. This connection is a big reason why gut health plays such a huge role in mental wellness.
Microbiota Matters
Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms—collectively known as your microbiota—that actively influence your overall health. These microbes don’t just sit there passively; they move through the ENS, acting as chemical messengers that communicate with your brain.
This gut-brain communication is essential for regulating mood, immune function, digestion, and energy levels. But when your microbiome becomes imbalanced—especially from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria—this communication gets disrupted. That imbalance can lead to digestive issues, inflammation, brain fog, anxiety, and low vitality.
Immune Interaction
The ENS doesn’t only talk to your brain—it also interacts closely with your immune system. It works with immune cells in your gut to help regulate your body’s response to pathogens, stress, and inflammation.
When your gut is healthy, it supports a strong, well-regulated immune system. But if your gut lining is compromised—due to things like chronic stress, processed food, or dysbiosis—it can lead to an overactive or underperforming immune response, leaving you more susceptible to illness, fatigue, and inflammation.
Mood Regulation
Did you know over 90% of serotonin—the neurotransmitter that promotes happiness and calm—is made in your gut? The ENS plays a central role in producing and releasing serotonin and dopamine, both of which influence your emotional and mental health.
When the gut is functioning well, these neurotransmitters can do their job—supporting clear thinking, steady moods, and a sense of well-being. But when your gut is out of balance, the production and transport of these mood-regulating chemicals can be disrupted, contributing to mood swings, low motivation, and even depression.
It’s Not Just About Food
Yes, eating nutrient-dense, whole foods is essential for a healthy gut. But it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Stress, trauma, sleep quality, and movement all have a major impact on digestive health. That’s why a holistic approach is key. Supporting your ENS means addressing not just what you eat—but how you live, think, and manage stress.
Next time you hear someone talking about gut health, remember—it’s not just about digestion. It’s about an entire inner ecosystem that affects everything from your energy and immunity to your mood and mental clarity.
When you nourish your gut and support your enteric nervous system, you’re doing far more than just improving digestion. You’re taking steps toward a healthier, more vibrant, and emotionally balanced version of you.
