The brain vs. gut saga is like a biological version of the chicken-and-egg debate!

I have been reflecting on this for a while now. The brain-gut connection is a bit like the chicken-and-egg dilemma but on a biological level. I've been so focused on the gut that the brain upstairs hasn't even crossed my mind. Sure, there's plenty of chatter about the gut being our "second brain," but if that's the case, does it mean the chicken (brain) and egg (gut) debate is finally over, or are we just getting started? 

Here's my take: the brain-gut drama is like an ongoing biological drama. They're linked through the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication network involving nerves, hormones, and cheeky gut microbes. It's like a never-ending text thread between two frenemies. Your gut sends a "Hey, I'm feeling bloated!" text, and your brain replies, "Oh no, more stress!" The result? There is a constant back-and-forth of miscommunication that keeps making things worse.

So, why is there an obsession with gut health? Social media has turned it into a wellness superstar. Our feeds are flooded with ads for gut health solutions, bloat remedies, and detox teas, making it nearly impossible to figure out what's actually effective. It's like trying to pick a movie from a series with a thousand sequels—where should one start, anyway?

This constant parade of "quick fixes" can drive anyone up the wall, making us overthink every little bloated sensation. Ironically, all this stress from miracle cure ads can worsen our gut issues. Here I am, having been so focused on my gut that I neglected the brain—my original thought partner. After dealing with IBS-C for over 30 years and trying everything under the sun, I realized that the mind and gut need to be in sync. So, in my need for a quick fix (yes, I'm only human and love a shortcut now and then), I decided to try ashwagandha to soothe my mind. To my surprise, it also gave my gut a bit of a chill. It's not a miracle cure, but it's got me reflecting on the complex relationship between mind and gut.

Now, I'm shifting gears. While scrolling through my daily dose of stress and diving into research about the OG (the brain), I stumbled upon Nerva—an app that's like the ultimate relationship counselor for your gut-brain duo. It focuses on the psychological side of IBS, using hypnosis, and there is some harmony between the two. The idea is to balance the mind, which might, in turn, help soothe the gut. I haven't tried it yet, but the concept is intriguing. Hypnosis is the new buzzword, and since I'm all about Biomixology, I plan to give it a shot, Hypnosis Hypnosis, and report back. Stay tuned!  

What do you think? Is it time to shift our focus and give the OG a bit more love, or does the gut still reign supreme in this ongoing battle?

Note: I am not promoting or sponsoring Nerva. I just found it interesting and am moving toward the idea of Hypnosis therapy for IBS. 

Data sharing on Nerva: Nweva are the developers for FODMAP DIET @  Monash University

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11179457/