If you’ve been feeling down lately, the cause might be a part of your body that you wouldn’t expect. 

Have you ever heard of the enteric nervous system? This is a complex nervous system that consists of over 100 million neurons which line the inner walls of our digestive tract. These neurons help with a lot more than just the digestive functions of digestion, they actually have sensory receptors and reflexes that help us perceive and feel information from our environment. Because of this, the enteric nervous system is now referred to by some scientists as the “Second Brain.”   

The neurotransmitters in the enteric nervous system include GABA, dopamine, epinephrine, and endorphins, among others. The most interesting, however, is serotonin. Serotonin is is the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness, and over 95% of serotonin is produced in our gut. 

Keeping our digestive system in tip-top shape through a healthy diet and exercise is important not just for our physical health, but for our emotional and mental well-being. Here’s to a happy, healthy guy!