Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach before an important presentation? Or have you completely lost your appetite when nerves take over?
What we feel is the result of constant and complex communication between your digestive system and your mind.
The enteric nervous system
When we talk about the "second brain," we are referring to the enteric nervous system. Your digestive tract houses hundreds of millions of neurons. These cells are not only responsible for breaking down food, but they are also in constant dialogue with your head, exchanging information about your internal state.
The Gut-Brain axis
This connection is not one-way. The gut-brain axis functions as a two-way highway, and the vagus nerve acts as the direct telephone line between both organs.
Gut health is not limited to having good digestion or regular bowel movements; it is a fundamental pillar of your emotional and mental well-being. If your gut is imbalanced, your brain receives constant warning signals that can translate into anxiety, fatigue, or mood swings.
GABA: The "molecule of calm" that your bacteria create
Within this dialogue, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters stand out. One of the most important is GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), known as the "molecule of calm." GABA helps curb excessive nervous activity, being fundamental for promoting relaxation and managing stress.
This is where the superpower of your microbiome comes into play: a significant part of this neurotransmitter is produced by your gut bacteria.
At Vivabioma, we don't just stay on the surface. Our functional microbiome test specifically analyzes the genetic and metabolic capacity of your microbiota to produce GABA.
Indoles and key species
Your mental well-being also depends on the presence of neuroprotective compounds, such as indoles, which help protect the nervous system and maintain balance. However, these do not appear by magic; they depend on the protagonists of your ecosystem: the bacteria.
Certain strains, such as those belonging to the Bifidobacterium genus, play an essential role in the gut-brain connection, acting as true microscopic "superheroes."
Take control of your well-being from within
Taking care of your mind starts much earlier than you think: it starts in your gut. To improve your resilience to stress, you must first understand what your bacteria are doing (or what they are missing).
At Vivabioma, we have moved from assumptions to scientific precision. Thanks to our functional analysis technology, you can obtain real data on your biological capacity to manage stress and maintain your mental balance from within.