The Gut-Brain Connection

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has published articles explaining that “anxiety and depression have been thought to contribute to gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)”. These scientists are calling our gut “the second brain”. This brain in our gut is revolutionizing medicine’s understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health, and the way we think. Another term for this second brain is the “enteric nervous system” (ENS). It has over 100 million nerve cells lining our gastrointestinal tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. (1)

Harvard Medical School has also shared information on these new discoveries. They finally understand that the brain influences our digestive system, and that our digestive system influences our brain. A concept that Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners have taught for thousands of year. (2)

Dr. J. Robert Hatherill is a research scientist and faculty member of the Environmental Studies Department, at the University of California in Santa Barbara. He shared that “Every vitamin, every mineral and every food has a distinct and specific effect on our bodies, and consequently on our mental function, and at a subtler level, on our attitudes”. The brain is our most sensitive organ, which reacts to improper nutrition, and the presence of toxins earlier than any other system in our bodies. Many mental and emotional problems are related to dietary intake. “Manic depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and some psychotic disorders, have responded favorably to dietary intervention.” (3)

At least seven studies demonstrate that violent criminals have elevated levels of steroids, pesticides, antibiotics, and other toxic chemicals in their bodies, compared with prisoners who are not violent. When we compare fruit to most animal products, we find that the latter are full of steroids, antibiotics, and toxic chemicals. Organic fruits have none of these. (4)

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