13 Gut-Brain Axis Secrets: How Your Digestion Impacts Your Mood

Secret #2: Your "Second Brain": The Enteric Nervous System's Autonomy

Deep within your gut lies the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), often called the "second brain." This intricate network contains millions of neurons – more than the spinal cord – allowing it to operate remarkably independently from your central nervous system. The ENS doesn't just manage digestion; it can, in certain situations, make "decisions" about gut function on its own. This ingenious autonomy highlights why gut sensations like "butterflies in the stomach" are so powerful and why gut discomfort can directly translate into anxiety or irritability, reflecting its direct, independent influence on your internal state.