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Enteric Nervous System (ENS), Second Brain, Belly Brain — The Gut-Brain Axis — Gut Health & Mental Health Physiologically Linked — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we explore the link between gut health, mood, and mental health, involving the enteric nervous system and the gut-brain axis.

Objective

Explain the physiology of the link between gut health and mental health, involving the enteric nervous system (ENS) and gut-brain axis (GBA).

Description

Describe the form and function of the enteric nervous system (ENS), its connection to the brain, why it’s called a “second brain” and its relationship to serotonin. Describe the gut-brain axis, including connections to the microbiome and vagus nerve. Explain the research-backed significance of the relationship between intestinal/digestive health and mental health.

Vocabulary

enteric nervous system (ENS), belly brain, gut, gut-brain axis, second brain

Related Lessons

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