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Your Gut: Your Amazing “Second Brain”

  • Writer: Bruce Salinger
    Bruce Salinger
  • Aug 7
  • 3 min read

That’s right – the correct answer is your gut. Yep, your belly is way smarter than you think!


I call it your “second brain.” And once you hear why, you’ll see your tummy in a whole new light.

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Your Gut Has Its Own Brain


Did you know your gut is full of millions of tiny nerve cells? These cells talk to each other, kind of like the brain in your head. This special system even has its own name: the enteric nervous system.


Think of it like this: your gut is a busy city. The nerves are the roads, and little messages are the cars zipping around. These messages help your gut do all sorts of things, like move food along and keep bad germs out.


When I first learned this, I was shocked. I thought my brain did all the thinking. But nope! My gut is smart too. Sometimes I even feel like my gut “knows” things before I do—like when I get butterflies in my stomach before a big event. That’s my second brain talking!

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Your Gut Makes “Happy Chemicals”


Here’s another fun fact: your gut actually makes brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. One of the most famous ones is serotonin, which helps you feel calm and happy.


In fact, about 90% of your body’s serotonin is made in your gut! Isn’t that wild? When your gut is happy, your brain is more likely to be happy too.


I remember a time when I was super stressed. My stomach felt tight and rumbly all the time. I started eating more fruits, veggies, and yogurt with probiotics. Within a week, not only did my tummy feel better, but I noticed I was smiling more. That’s no coincidence—happy gut, happy brain!

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Your Gut Talks to Your Brain


Your brain and gut are best friends. They chat all day long through a special “phone line” called the vagus nerve.


  • If you eat too much junk food, your gut might send a “Ugh, I feel bad” message to your brain.

  • If you eat colorful veggies and healthy fats, your gut might say, “Thanks! I feel great!”


This is why sometimes we say we have a “gut feeling.” That’s not just a saying—your gut is really talking!

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How to Keep Your Gut Happy


Now that you know how important your second brain is, let’s talk about how to take care of it. I’ve tried a lot of things myself, and here’s what really works:


1. Eat More Plants


Fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains are full of fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. I like to think of fiber as tiny brooms that sweep my belly clean.


Tip: Try adding blueberries to your morning oatmeal or sneaking spinach into your smoothies. Your gut bugs will thank you!

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2. Support Your System


Life is busy so I found a simple way to maintain a healthy gut. This formula supports the health of your digestive system, keeping you energized and active. It was a game changer for me, and you can try it for 50% off here.

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3. Drink Plenty of Water


Water keeps your digestion moving. When I forget to drink enough, I notice my belly feels heavy and slow.


A fun trick: squeeze a little lemon into your water. It tastes fresh and your gut will love it!


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4. Move Your Body


Exercise isn’t just for your muscles—it helps your gut too! When I go for a walk after dinner, I can feel my food digest better. Plus, moving around keeps your gut bacteria happy.

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5. Manage Stress


Remember how your gut and brain talk? If you’re stressed, your gut knows. I like to take deep breaths or do a short meditation when I feel tight in my stomach. Even laughing at a funny show helps my gut relax!

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A Simple Gut-Friendly Recipe


I want to leave you with one of my favorite easy recipes for a happy gut smoothie.


Berry Gut Booster Smoothie:


  • 1 cup unsweetened yogurt (for probiotics)

  • ½ cup frozen berries (for fiber and antioxidants)

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for fiber and healthy fats)

  • A splash of almond milk or water

  • Optional: drizzle of honey


Blend and sip! Your belly will love it, and so will your taste buds.

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Your Gut Is Smarter Than You Think


So, next time you get “butterflies” or feel a “gut feeling,” remember—your belly is full of tiny neurons and happy chemicals. It’s not just there to digest food. It’s busy taking care of your mood, your brain, and your health.


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