WHAT IS THE ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM (ENS)?
The enteric nervous system coordinates digestion and emotional balance - here's how to support its health.
The term "enteric nervous system" (ENS) plays a key role in our digestive health and overall nervous system regulation. But what exactly is the enteric nervous system, and beyond this, why is it so important?
Understanding the Enteric Nervous System
The enteric nervous system is a vast network of neurons embedded in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. It operates independently from the brain and spinal cord, and yet it communicates with them, forming a unique part of the autonomic nervous system.
The ENS is responsible for managing all aspects of digestion, including release of enzymes that break down food, and the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption and elimination.
Strangely enough, the ENS is also largely responsible for emotional balance. Over 90% of the body's serotonin - a major mood regulation hormone - is produced in the gut!
How does the Enteric Nervous System Work?
The ENS contains between 200-600 million neurons, more than the spinal cord, making it incredibly sophisticated.
This network controls the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that food moves smoothly from the esophagus to the stomach, intestines, and finally, out of the body.
It also regulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and maintains the balance of gut flora, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
Symptoms and Causes of ENS Dysregulation
When the ENS is out of balance, it can lead to a range of digestive issues and other health problems. Recognizing the signs of an imbalanced enteric nervous system can help address these issues early on.
Common Symptoms
Digestive Discomfort: Bloating, gas, and abdominal pain are typical indicators of ENS dysregulation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of both.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent feelings of nausea or frequent vomiting can signal an ENS problem.
Poor Appetite: Loss of appetite, feeling full quickly after eating, or indigestion.
Emotional Distress: Anxiety and depression can both contribute to and result from ENS imbalances.
Potential Causes
Several factors can disrupt the ENS, leading to the symptoms mentioned above:
Poor Diet: Diets high in processed foods and low in fiber can harm the ENS, whereas a balanced diet rich in fiber supports digestive health and the ENS.
Antibiotics: Overuse of antibiotics can disrupt the gut flora, impacting ENS function. Studies have shown that antibiotics can negatively affect gut bacteria, which is key for ENS health.
Lack of Exercise: Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy ENS. Regular exercise has been found to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress can build up in the body and have a direct impact on the ENS, exacerbating digestive issues. Harvard Health confirms that stress can affect the gut-brain axis, influencing gastrointestinal function.
Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.
Practical Ways to Support the ENS
Maintaining a balanced enteric nervous system is not just about managing symptoms, but also about adopting practices that support its long-term health.
Adopt a Gut-Friendly Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods can promote a healthy gut flora. Avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar is also vital.
Massage The Gut
Exercises like ENS Massage or Belly Ball Rolling can positively support the enteric nervous system.
Switch Off Stress With Somatic Exercises
Somatic exercises like Body Tapping or Cannon are powerful ways to reset the nervous system within a few minutes. At NEUROFIT, over 95% of community sessions in our app relieve real time stress within just 5 minutes.
The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with somatic exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.
Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity can improve gut health by enhancing blood flow to the intestines and reducing inflammation. Our NEUROFIT App data shows that regular exercise supports higher HRV and better emotional balance.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for digestion and helps maintain the mucosal lining of the intestines. Prioritize proper water intake to ensure your ENS remains balanced.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Adding probiotics and prebiotics into your diet can support the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which is vital for a balanced ENS.
Real-Life Application: A Personal Experience
As someone who has dealt with the effects of a dysregulated nervous system for many years, I can personally confirm the profound impact that balancing the ENS can have on overall health, including the gut.
During the initial journey of building NEUROFIT, I discovered that my digestive issues were closely linked to my stress levels. By using our app's daily body-based check-ins and somatic exercises and adding probiotic supplements, I managed to rebalance my nervous system, leading to a significant improvement in my digestive health.
The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.
NEUROFIT's Approach to Gut Health
At NEUROFIT, we focus on nervous system regulation from the ground up. Our app weaves together daily check-ins, personalized coaching insights and exercises, and AI coaching to help users manage stress and maintain a balanced nervous system, including the enteric nervous system. Our members report a 54% reduction in stress after just one week, highlighting the effectiveness of our approach.
Enteric Nervous System FAQs
What does the enteric nervous system do?
The ENS manages digestion, from the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract to the release of digestive enzymes and the absorption of nutrients. It also is responsible for producing over 90% of the body's serotonin a mood regulation hormone.
How can I tell if my enteric nervous system is out of balance?
Common signs include digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, as well as more severe conditions like IBS. Emotional distress like anxiety and depression can also be indicators.
What dietary changes support a healthy enteric nervous system?
A diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods can promote a healthy gut flora. Avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar is also key.
How does NEUROFIT help in balancing the enteric nervous system?
NEUROFIT's app offers daily check-ins, personalized insights, and somatic exercises designed to balance the entire nervous system, including the ENS. By managing stress and adopting healthy habits, users can maintain a balanced and healthy ENS.
By understanding and supporting the enteric nervous system, we can significantly improve our digestive health and overall well-being.
