Do you remember feeling “butterflies” in your stomach when you fell in love? Or having eaten an entire
jar of dulce de leche after an exam? If the answer is yes then you have realized that the brain and the
digestive system are closely related. In fact, the intestine is known as our “second brain”
The intestine has a network of neurons – which make up what is known as the “enteric nervous system”
responsible for controlling the motor functions of the digestive system, in addition to the secretion of
gastrointestinal enzymes. The intestine is the producer of approximately 95% of the body’s serotonin (5-
hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), better known as the “happiness hormone”
On the other hand, our intestine has a flora of microorganisms living inside it. These microorganisms
constitute our “intestinal flora”. Each individual has a particular community of microorganisms that live
in their gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal flora participates in several vital functions such as: metabolic
activities, absorption of nutrients and protection of the body against the invasion of pathogenic
microorganisms.
The neurons of the enteric nervous system “second brain” and those of the brain communicate
through neurotransmitters in a reciprocal way.
An inadequate diet (rich in sugar or excessive in protein) can not only cause digestive disorders but also
alter our mood. Likewise, strong emotions -as well as stress- can alter the signals sent by the brain to the
enteric neuronal system causing imbalances in the intestinal flora.
The imbalance of microorganisms in the intestinal flora is known in medicine as “intestinal dysbiosis”
and manifests itself with symptoms such as: abdominal bloating, excess gas, diarrhea, constipation and
irregular bowel movements.
In the face of “intestinal dysbiosis”, the objective of conventional medicine focuses on improving
symptoms. Prebiotics and probiotics, a low-sugar diet, reduced stress levels, sufficient hours of restful
sleep and healthy behaviors for the digestive system such as: eating relaxed, a diet rich in fiber (that
includes fruits, vegetables, legumes and other foods that help reduce inflammation and oxidative
stress), and drinking enough fluids, (6 to 8 glasses of water daily) are generally prescribed.
In homeopathy, remedies made from human intestinal flora (known as “nosodes”) are used to achieve
an improvement in symptoms, but taking into account that in the “intestinal dysbiosis” the mind,
emotions and intestines are closely related, the classical constitutional homeopathic approach that aims
at the overall well-being of the individual by treating the whole person (including psychological,
emotional physical, social, and spiritual aspects) is the one of choice.
Integrating conventional medicine with alternative medicine (homeopathy, acupuncture, etc.) can help
better manage the condition.
General health depends largely on healthy thoughts, emotions (brain) and adequate nutritional intake
(gut-second brain).

05/31/2024

Nancy Dutto MD