Did You Know Your Gut is Like a Second Brain?

As your chiropractor care team, our focus has always been on supporting your nervous system, the master controller that influences how your body moves, heals, and adapts every day.

But did you know there’s another powerful network of nerves constantly communicating with your brain and spine?

It’s your GUT.

Often called the “second brain”, your gut contains over 100 million nerve cells, forming what is known as the enteric nervous system. This system is in constant conversation with your brain and spinal cord, influencing not just digestion, but also inflammation levels, stress response, energy, and even how your body heals.

When your gut is under stress, it can send distress signals throughout your body. This may contribute to inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, and even how well your body responds to physical care such as chiropractic adjustments.

Many people are surprised to learn that digestive stress does not always show up as obvious stomach symptoms. It can quietly affect posture, muscle tension, sleep quality, immune function, and how efficiently your nervous system regulates the body. This is why gut health and spinal health are more connected than most people realise.

A simple gut friendly habit to try today

Before your next meal, pause and take three slow, deep belly breaths. Allow your abdomen to rise as you breathe in, and gently fall as you breathe out.

This small action helps shift your body into its “rest and digest” state. When your nervous system is calmer, your gut is better prepared to digest food, absorb nutrients, and reduce unnecessary stress signals being sent to the brain and spine.

So why does this matter for your spine and overall wellbeing?

A calmer, better-regulated nervous system is more effective at:

When your gut and nervous system are working in harmony, the care you receive can be supported from the inside out.

This is the first of several upcoming articles where we will be sharing more insights into gut health and how it connects with your nervous system and overall wellbeing. Our hope is that these articles help you better understand your body and feel more confident in the small daily choices that support long term health.

If you’re curious to explore this further, our chiropractor Dino, who also practises Functional Medicine, offers a comprehensive Gut Health Test at our Toa Payoh clinic. It’s designed to give deeper insights into how your digestive health may be affecting your body as a whole.

You’re welcome to WhatsApp us at +65 9771 5082 or speak with us during your next visit if you’d like to learn more.

Because true health starts from within.