Love Hormone Oxytocin: The Brain-Gut Connection

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter. It is produced by the hypothalamus - a small region at the base of your brain - and secreted by the posterior lobe of the nearby pituitary gland. 

It is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone" as this is released when people bond socially. 

Ever wonder why you get the feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you encounter a stressful situation? This is because stomach problems are some of the most common symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Researches have identified that there is a powerful brain-gut connection between oxytocin and digestive problems. Since the digestive tract is full of nerve endings the same as the brain, both of these body systems share the same nerve connections. 

New research shows that oxytocin plays an important role in combatting stress disrupting our digestive systems. The more stressed that you're feeling, the longer it will take for your food to get digested, also known as delayed gastric emptying. This delay can give off a feeling of nausea, bloating, general discomfort, and even diarrhea. 

By manipulating the neurocircuits that release oxytocin, it shows that when activated, these oxytocin circuits were shown to delay the gastric emptying that typically occurs due to stress. And if the body is unable to adapt to stress, gastrointestinal symptoms can worsen. 

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Relationship Between Gut Health and Mental Health

The digestive system is often dubbed as the 'second brain', as it produces over 90% of all serotonin (the 'happy' hormone) in our body. Digestion may speed up or slow down depending on your mood. Since our gut can affect our immunity and how to cope with stress, it is vital to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Whenever you are feeling anxious, some of the hormones and chemicals released by your body enters the digestive tract which interferes with digestion. This has a negative impact on your gut flora (microorganisms residing in the digestive tract that aids with digestion) and decrease antibody production. This resulting chemical imbalance can cause a number of gastrointestinal conditions. 

Common digestive symptoms that are stress-related include cramps, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, increased hunger, nausea among others. 

Proper Management

Remember to incorporate the three F's in your diet to maintain gut health. Fiber, fat and fermented foods. Healthy fats (omega 3) from wild fish can help to reduce gut inflammation. Fermented foods are rich in good bacteria and will give your gut health a boost.

Although diet plays an important role in overall digestive and mental health, modifications in lifestyle can also have a significant improvement in your mood. Managing stress levels, maintaining good sleeping habits, incorporating exercises into your day-to-day activities and improving relationships with other people can all help in maintaining good brain-gut health. 

It takes a lot of effort to reduce stress. It is often impossible to deal with anxiety on your own. Seek the help of a licensed therapist if need be to alleviate some of the symptoms that you may be experiencing.

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