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Your gut has a brain of its own.

"When the mind suffers, the body cries,
and the entire nervous system responds
with all the symptoms of IBS."

-- from The Second Brain by Michael Gershon, M.D.

In his book The Second Brain Michael Gershon, M.D. of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in Bronx, New York, established that the stomach has a brain that functions independently. The “second brain” is located in the gut and contains neurons, neurotransmitters, and proteins. According to Dr. Gershon, this may account for conditions such as ulcers, chronic abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disorders such as colitis and the nervous butterflies that people get when they have feel anxiety or panic.

The gut’s brain, known as the enteric nervous system, is found in the tissues that line the digestive organs. Dr. Gershon reports that the gut contains 100 million neurons as well as nearly every major substance found in the brain, such as the neurotransmitter GABA, neuropeptides, and enkephalins.

Dr. Gershon shows scientific proof that "gut instinct" is biological, a function of the second brain.

This second brain operates independently of the central nervous system, however, it interacts very closely with the brain through its connection with the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve can receive stimulation from the brain’s limbic system in relation to anxiety, fear, and panic situations. Repressed anger, hostility, or traumatic episodes can cause intestinal malfunction in the form of diarrhea. When the mind suffers, the body cries, and the entire nervous system responds with all the symptoms of IBS.

Stress, anxiety or any type of emotional conflict frequently causes the symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). There is no medical treatment that will cure IBS because it responds to psychological, physiological, or dietary influences on the brain and body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome causes severe bloating, gas, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. Patients with IBS have sensitivity, not only to painful distentions in the small bowel and colon, but to normal intestinal functions as well.

People with increased sensitivity to certain foods suffer the symptoms of IBS. The primary offenders are dairy, wheat, and eggs. Other irritants are coffee, corn, tea, citrus, some grains, and raw fruit. Given the large number of people with wheat sensitivity, daily doses of the pleasant-tasting fortified flax provides needed fiber. Fortified flax is also rich in omega-3, magnesium, fiber, and potassium.

Taking digestive enzymes such as Pancreatin with each meal will prevent the stomach upset that could lead to IBS. Clinical studies show that occasional digestive problems are due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. Super Pancreatin contains enzymes that help breakdown foods for absorption into the body.

For nervous stomach, try GABA 375. Mix 1 capsule with a small amount of water if your stomach is upset from stress or anxiety. The GABA helps calm the receptors in your stomach, or you can use Theanine in water to settle your nervous stomach. If you have a problem with stomach muscles that tie up when you eat, you should use L-T prior to meals.

Green Tea Extract (decaffeinated) - Green Tea after a meal aids digestion and provides a calming effect on the GI tract. And Green Tea Extract is the most potent immune system supplement available today.