Have you ever stopped to think about how many figurative expressions we say day to day have to do with your gut? No?
Think about it for a moment …“Trust your gut.” “A gut feeling.” “Gut-wrenching.”
Whoever came up with these expressions was onto something at a fundamental level because there’s an increasing amount of research that’s demonstrating the many ways the gut is linked to the brain and its impact on our lives.
At Peak Financial Group, we care deeply about the health of our team, clients, and community. It’s why we’re avid hikers, and it’s why we strive to ensure our clients attain peak financial health as well. As surprising as it might seem, a healthy gut can help clear your mind and enable you to make more informed decisions. Really! Read on to learn more about the gut-brain connection.
The Gut-Brain Link
Usually, when we think about the human body, we start with the brain, imagining that everything flows from there. And yes, it’s true that the brain can impact all areas of our body, including the gut. For instance, research shows1 that even just thinking about eating can trigger the stomach to begin releasing digestive enzymes.
But some of the latest scientific discoveries have found that it’s also possible for the link to go the opposite direction. In other words, the gut can impact the brain.
How the Gut Impacts the Brain
Your digestive system is controlled by the enteric nervous system (ENS), which comprises more than 100 million nerve cells along the digestive tract. One of the main roles of the ENS is to regulate the release of enzymes that help with digestion.
Fascinating new research2 has found that irritation in the gastrointestinal system — conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — can actually cause mood changes, as the ENS sends signals to the brain that may cause anxiety or depression. According to one study2, people with digestive problems have higher rates of depression and anxiety. What the research suggests is that rather than depression or anxiety causing gut problems, it may be the digestive problems themselves that are affecting a person’s mental health.
How This Relates to Finances
While there are no studies out there that say people with great gut health earn higher returns, the gut-brain connection is an interesting reminder of something we believe at Peak: Health is a holistic enterprise. When you feel your best, you’re able to make better decisions. And the key part of this research suggests that it’s not just a feeling. When your gut is healthy, it’s sending the right signals to your brain, giving you the foundation to make clearer decisions.
The way we think about our physical health is the same way we think about financial wellness. We believe it’s important to offer clients a complete picture of their finances — whether it’s diversified portfolios or thinking about how to attain ideal short-term results while balancing long-term goals. Understanding this gut-brain link can help us develop strategies to better manage your stress and decision-making behaviors.
If your gut (and your brain!) are telling you to take another look at your finances, reach out and see how Peak can help.
Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic FA, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic FA is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic FA. CRN-7029471-091724