By Deborah Bamisaye
Do you know that your gut can truly affect your emotions? Surprised? Don’t be, just take a deep breath and let’s see how true this could be:
When the CEO Starts Influencing Your Emotions
“Please don’t talk to me this morning.” Kunle said, dropping his bag on the chair and rubbing his forehead. His wife looked surprised. “What happened?” “I don’t even know,” he sighed. “I’m tired, irritated, and anxious all at once and somehow my stomach has been disturbing me since yesterday.” She smiled, confident that her knowledge from PharmaTimes magazine has taught her a lot. She cleared her throat and said, “So, your stomach and your attitude decided to cooperate?” “What are you even saying?” he asked. “Like seriously,” she said; “Have you ever wondered why people say they have butterflies in their stomach when they’re nervous?” (Kunle shrugged in response) “Or why can bad news make someone lose their appetite instantly? Kunle paused. “…Actually… I’ve never thought about it.” “Most people haven’t,” she replied. “But maybe it’s because your stomach and your emotions are talking to each other.” “Talking to each other?” he asked. “Yes, they do that every single day,” she said in response. (Kunle stared) “Really! Now, that’s a conversation I would love to hear.” “That is the kind of information you get from PharmaTimes.” She proudly submits. Curious, he asked, “Pharma what?…”
The Phone Line You Never Knew Existed
Imagine two offices: – One is the Brain Headquarters. -The other is the Gut (Stomach) Headquarters.
Most people assume the brain sends orders while the gut quietly obeys but scientists have discovered something fascinating. The communication is not a one-way thing. The gut sends messages too. Lots of them!
In fact, the conversation between the brain and the gut never really stops.
§ When you’re worried, your gut knows.
§ When you’re afraid, your gut knows.
§ When you’re excited, your gut knows.
§ When you’re heartbroken, your gut knows and sometimes, before your mouth says a word your stomach has already reacted. Have you ever wondered why people run to the toilet almost immediately they hear bad news? I trust you can connect the dots now: One feels; the other responds; one reacts; the other adjusts; it is one of the most powerful partnerships in the human body.
Your Stomach Has Been Speaking for Years
Think about it, have you ever:
• Felt nauseous before an important interview?
• Experienced stomach discomfort during a stressful period?
• Or the one I referred to earlier – which is feeling “sick to your stomach” after hearing something shocking?
Exactly! Those are not random events; your body is revealing a relationship that has existed all along. The gut and the brain are constantly exchanging information.
The Unexpected Happiness Factory
Now, here comes the surprise. Many people associate happiness with the brain. But do you know that a significant amount of the body’s serotonin (the chemical often linked with feelings of well-being), is produced in the gut?
Paused for a moment? Yes, I know how this discovery feels. Are you okay? Do you need a glass of water or something? Oh! – I should continue? Alright then, let’s go. Do you know that the same place where your food is processed is also involved in producing substances that influence how you feel? I understand, you are surprise that suddenly, the gut doesn’t seem like a simple digestion center anymore, does it? You are right: ‘The CEO’s office appears much bigger than we thought.’
When the CEO Is Distressed
Have you noticed that during periods of prolonged stress, many people experience digestive problems?
That’s not a coincidence:
1. The gut feels the pressure.
2. The brain feels the pressure.
3. The entire body feels the pressure.
4. It’s like an organization where the CEO and the Managing Director are constantly exchanging reports.
5. When one department is troubled, the other soon notices.
Which explains why emotional stress can sometimes show up physically and physical discomfort can sometimes affect emotions. The connection is deeper than many people realize.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is “no health without mental health.” Modern research increasingly shows that the gut and brain are in constant communication, helping scientists understand why our digestive (gut) health can influence how we feel emotionally and mentally.
Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu – She frequently emphasizes that health is holistic and that prevention, nutrition and lifestyle choices play major roles in long-term well-being. Her perspective supports the idea that what happens in the body, including the digestive system, can influence overall health.
Akin Abayomi – He has repeatedly stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, healthy living, nutrition, and understanding how lifestyle factors contribute to disease prevention.
A Question worth Asking
What if some of the signals we dismiss as “ordinary stomach issues” are actually messages? What if the body has been whispering while we’ve been too busy to listen? What if your gut has been reporting problems long before symptoms became obvious? Perhaps that’s why paying attention to your gut health isn’t merely about digestion. Perhaps it’s also about understanding yourself better. Now, before we draw the curtains on today’s conversation on the digestive system, also known as the ‘Gut,’ know that this part of you (gut/stomach) is not just handling food:
§ It is involved in conversations.
§ Conversations with your brain.
§ Conversations with your immune system.
§ Conversations that influence how you feel, think and function.
The silent CEO is not silent because it has nothing to say. It is silent because most people never learnt its language. But there is another mystery hiding inside the gut. A much bigger one and that is the fact that – Trillions of tiny living organisms are working there right now – You cannot see them – You cannot hear them, yet they may be influencing your health more than you can ever imagine.
Who are these invisible workers and what exactly are they doing inside your body?
Let’s uncover their secrets in the next edition. Trust me, the story gets even more interesting from here.
I can’t wait to have you back next time. Until then, stay healthy!
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