Why Gut Health Is More Than Just the Microbiome
Gut health has been a hot topic in the health and wellness world for years, and by now, most of us understand why it’s so important. But as our understanding evolves, it’s time to look beyond the microbiome. One crucial, often-overlooked component of gut health is the Enteric Nervous System (ENS)—also known as the “Second Brain.”
When we think about digestion, motility, and nutrient absorption, we assume the gut just knows how to perform these functions. It’s true that the stomach produces hydrochloric acid (HCL), the pancreas secretes enzymes, and the intestines absorb nutrients, but how do these organs receive the signals to act? The answer lies within the Enteric Nervous System, a key player in regulating gut function and overall digestive efficiency. If you or your clients struggle with persistent gut issues that don't fully resolve with probiotics or digestive aids, understanding the ENS could be the missing link.
The Enteric Nervous System: Your Gut’s Command Center
To fully grasp the importance of the ENS, let’s break it down:
The nervous system is divided into two main parts:
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Includes the brain and spinal cord, which process and send signals throughout the body.
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Governs everything outside the brain and spinal cord, including muscle movement (somatic system) and automatic functions (autonomic system).
Within the autonomic nervous system lies the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), which acts as the gut’s built-in intelligence system. It operates independently but communicates closely with the brain, forming the gut-brain axis—a critical link between digestive health and mental well-being.
How the ENS Controls Digestion
The Enteric Nervous System has two primary roles:
- The Myenteric Plexus: Controls muscle contractions in the gut, ensuring food moves at the right pace for proper digestion and elimination.
- The Submucosal Plexus: Regulates digestive secretions, blood flow, and immune responses to maintain gut health.
When digestion isn’t functioning properly, many people turn to our probiotics, enzymes, or fiber supplements and experience noticeable results. While these can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the root issue if the ENS isn’t working optimally. If gut issues return once supplements are stopped, the ENS may be the key to long-term healing.
The ENS, Stress & Gut Dysfunction
For digestion to work smoothly, there needs to be a balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems. Chronic stress, past trauma, environmental toxins, or gut imbalances can disrupt this balance, keeping the body stuck in a stress state that slows digestion, reduces enzyme production, and impairs gut motility.
In my practice, I often see cases where supplements help, but true healing requires deeper work—addressing stress, toxic overload, nutritional imbalances, and even emotional health. If gut issues persist despite good nutrition and supplementation, the Enteric Nervous System may hold the key to unlocking lasting digestive health.
Key Takeaways
✔ Your gut isn’t just about microbes—the Enteric Nervous System plays a major role in digestion and overall health. ✔ Gut motility and secretions depend on proper nervous system function. If your ENS isn’t communicating well, gut issues may persist. ✔ Stress and trauma can disrupt digestion. A nervous system stuck in “fight or flight” mode may prevent true gut healing. ✔ Supplements can help, but they don’t fix the root cause. Addressing ENS health is crucial for long-term digestive wellness.
Understanding the Enteric Nervous System can transform how we approach gut health. If traditional gut-healing strategies haven’t worked, it’s time to look deeper. By optimizing nervous system function, we can restore digestive balance, enhance nutrient absorption, and support overall well-being.
Want to learn more? Listen to our webinar on this topic where we dive deeper into the Enteric Nervous System and how to harness its power for lasting gut health!