Your Second Brain: The Astonishing Gut-Brain Connection
2025-03-09
The gut is far more than a digestive organ; it's intricately connected to the brain via the gut-brain axis. Through the vagus nerve and molecular signals in the bloodstream, the gut and brain are in constant communication. The gut microbiome, its neurons, and the molecules they produce influence mood, sleep, cognitive function, and even the development of Parkinson's disease. Research shows impaired gut-brain signaling in long COVID patients leads to cognitive impairment, while alterations in the gut microbiome are linked to exercise motivation and mental health. Targeting the gut microbiome or stimulating the vagus nerve holds promise for treating related diseases.