- Gut-Instinct-0.mp3
- Gut-Instinct-0.mp4
- Gut-Instinct-I.mp3
- Gut-Instinct-I.mp4
- Gut-Instinct-II.mp3
- Gut-Instinct-II.mp4
- Gut-Instinct-Reggae.mp3
- Gut-Instinct-Reggae.mp4
- Gut-Instinct-intro.mp3
[Intro]
Watch my resurrection
(Of the gut-brain connection)
Listen to the microbiome
(Moan)
[Verse 1]
Imagining
Neuroimaging
500 million neurons
Turning on and on
(And on and on)
[Chorus]
Watch my resurrection
(Of the gut-brain connection)
Listen to the microbiome
(Moan)
[Bridge]
The gut-brain axis is…
(The answer to the pop quiz)
Serotonin and dopamine
(Color the scene)
[Verse 2]
Enteric nervous system
Begin!
Second brains engine
Again!
[Chorus]
Watch my resurrection
(Of the gut-brain connection)
Listen to the microbiome
(Moan and groan)
[Bridge]
The gut-brain axis is…
(The answer to the pop quiz)
Serotonin and dopamine
(Color the scene)
[Chorus]
Watch my resurrection
(Of the gut-brain connection)
Listen to the microbiome
(Moan and groan)
[Outro]
Danger zone!
(Listen to ‘er moan)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Yes, there is scientific evidence supporting the concept of a “gut instinct,” which refers to the feeling or intuition arising from the gut-brain connection. This connection is mediated by the gut microbiome, the enteric nervous system (ENS) (sometimes called the “second brain”), and the gut-brain axis. Here’s how science explains this phenomenon:
1. The Gut-Brain Axis
The gut and brain are connected through a bidirectional communication network involving:
- Vagus nerve: A major nerve pathway linking the gut to the brain.
- Neurotransmitters: Chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, produced in large quantities in the gut, influence mood and decision-making.
- Immune signaling: The gut microbiome interacts with the immune system to impact brain function and mood.
- Endocrine signaling: Hormones released in the gut affect the brain’s emotional and cognitive processes.
2. The Role of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS)
The ENS, often called the “second brain,” contains about 500 million neurons in the gastrointestinal tract. While it functions independently to regulate digestion, it also communicates with the brain:
- These signals can create sensations or feelings interpreted as a “gut instinct.”
- For example, the “butterflies in the stomach” feeling during stress is a result of ENS and brain interactions.
3. Gut Microbiome and Intuition
The gut microbiome plays a critical role in shaping emotions and decision-making:
- Microbial influence on mood:
- Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (90% of which is made in the gut) that influence mood and cognition.
- Imbalances in gut bacteria have been linked to anxiety, depression, and altered decision-making.
- Microbiome diversity and behavior:
- Studies show that a diverse microbiome supports clearer thinking and emotional regulation, potentially enhancing intuition.
4. Stress and Fight-or-Flight Responses
- During stress or danger, the gut sends rapid signals to the brain, triggering a fight-or-flight response.
- This evolutionary mechanism helps humans make quick decisions, often interpreted as “gut feelings.”
5. Evidence from Research
- Neuroimaging Studies:
- Brain scans show that emotional and decision-making regions of the brain (e.g., the amygdala and prefrontal cortex) are activated in response to gut signals.
- Behavioral Studies:
- Experiments reveal that people with stronger interoceptive awareness (ability to sense internal body signals) often rely more on gut feelings in decision-making.
- Microbiome Studies:
- Alterations in gut microbiota through diet, probiotics, or antibiotics have been shown to influence mood, behavior, and decision-making in both animals and humans.
6. Practical Implications
- Intuition and Decision-Making:
- “Gut instinct” often draws on subconscious processing of past experiences and sensory cues.
- Stress and Anxiety Management:
- A healthy gut (through diet, probiotics, or stress management) can enhance emotional well-being and decision-making.
While “gut instinct” is not infallible, it represents an interplay of subconscious cognition, gut-brain communication, and emotional processing.