Gut-Brain Connection
Most people think of digestion as something that happens only in the stomach. In reality, your gut and your brain are in constant communication. This communication pathway is called the gut–brain axis, and it plays a major role in digestion speed, nutrient absorption, energy levels, mood, immune function, and even behavior in kids.
When the nervous system isn’t working well, this communication gets disrupted. That’s when symptoms begin.
This is where chiropractic care comes in.
The Gut–Brain Axis: Your Body’s Internal Communication Highway
The vagus nerve, one of the longest nerves in the body, is what creates the gut-brain connection. Allowing your body to register what is coming in and how to handle and absorb the resources we need from our food. Here are just some of the things it helps control:
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Stomach acid production
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Digestive enzyme release
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Peristalsis (movement of food through the gut)
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Nutrient absorption
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Gut inflammation
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Immune response
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Mood and emotional regulation
Irritation of the vagus nerve or surrounding spinal segments, due to stressors, affects the gut-brain connection. Causing issue with it’s ability to communicate correctly. This can lead to:
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Constipation
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Slow digestion
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Acid reflux
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Bloating
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Nutrient malabsorption
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Frequent stomachaches
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Anxiety or mood changes (especially in kids)
How the Nervous System Impacts Digestion
Digestion is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, also called “rest and digest.” When the body is stressed, misaligned, or stuck in “fight or flight,” digestion slows down or becomes irregular.
Common signs the nervous system may be out of balance include:
Kids who rarely poop or have hard stools
Adults who are constantly bloated
Feeling sick or nauseous under stress
Poor appetite
Diarrhea or constipation swings
Food intolerances
Trouble absorbing nutrients
Chiropractic care helps by restoring balance and improving parasympathetic activity. Allowing the gut to function the way it’s designed to.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Gut Health
Chiropractic adjustments improve spinal alignment and reduce nerve interference, especially in the upper neck and mid-lower spine. These Areas of the spine communicate with the vagus nerve and digestive organs.
Benefits of chiropractic care for gut function include:
Improved digestion speed
Better nutrient absorption
Less reflux, gas, and bloating
More regular bowel movements
Reduced stomach tension and cramping
Improved immune function (70%+ of the immune system lives in the gut)
Better mood and emotional regulation
Kids especially benefit. Many parents notice more regular bowel movements and fewer tummy aches within weeks of starting care.
What the Research Says
Here are some research insights on the gut–brain connection:
The vagus nerve plays a major role in digestion, inflammation control, mood, and stress regulation (Frontiers in Psychiatry).
Studies show that vagus nerve stimulation improves GI motility and reduces symptoms of IBS and gut inflammation.
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine have been shown to influence vagal tone and autonomic nervous system balance (Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics).
Improvements in digestion, constipation, and colic symptoms have been documented in infants and children receiving chiropractic care (Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health).
While research is still growing, the evidence strongly supports that nervous system balance = digestive system balance.
Signs Your Gut–Brain Connection May Be Off
You may notice one or more of the following in either your kids or in yourself:
In kids:
Frequent stomachaches
Constipation or reduced bowel movements
Anxiety or difficulty controlling emotions
Poor nutrient absorption
Trouble focusing (gut health affects neurotransmitters!)
In adults:
Bloating or gas
Heartburn
Irregular bowels
Fatigue after eating
Food sensitivities
Difficulty handling stress
These are all signs the gut and brain may not be communicating properly.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, your digestive system can only work its best when your nervous system is working its best. Chiropractic care helps restore proper communication between the gut and brain, supporting smoother digestion, better nutrient absorption, improved immune function, and calmer emotional regulation.
If you or your kids struggle with digestive issues, chiropractic care may be the missing link.
Call Third Coast Chiropractic at 231-354-2600 to support your gut health from the inside out naturally.