The 2nd Brain- The Gut
There is no doubt that we need to feed our brain in order to promote learning and focus, but what about our other brain, the gut? Most people don’t know that over 80% of our serotonin (happy neurotransmitter) levels are produced in the gut. The gut contains 100 million neurons (more than the spinal cord). There is a direct link between the nervous system and the digestive system, and there is a constant exchange of chemicals and electrical messages between the two systems. Therefore, what affects the stomach will affect the brain and vice versa. An example of this is when you feel butterflies in your stomach when you are nervous. How does your stomach know that your brain is thinking about something to make you feel nervous? It’s the link between the two systems that researchers are currently validating. This is why nutrition and diet are very important to a student’s ability to learn, process information, develop self-esteem, regulate mood and much more.
Nutrition is key to supporting both brains. As a clinical nutritionist, Michelle assists parents and students in creating/supplementing diets to support learning and minimize the symptoms of learning issues and/or food related sensitivities.