Synchronization of Gastrointestinal Rhythms with the Brain Leads to Increased Mental Stress
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a link between the synchronization of the brain and the stomach's natural rhythmic electrical waves and mental health [1][2][3]. The research, funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, was published in Nature Mental Health under the title "Stomach-brain coupling indexes a dimensional signature of mental health."
The study, involving over 240 participants, used functional MRI and electrogastrography (a method that measures stomach electrical activity) to examine the brain-stomach synchronization [1][2][3]. The results showed that when brain activity is more tightly synchronized with the stomach’s slow waves, occurring roughly every 20 seconds, individuals tend to report greater mental distress, including elevated anxiety, depression, and stress levels.
This synchronization was specifically linked to brain frontoparietal regions, areas involved in cognitive control, rather than primary sensory cortices, suggesting a distinct neural signature rather than random noise [3].
This finding challenges the common assumption that stronger communication or coupling between body systems and the brain is always beneficial. Instead, the researchers propose that unusually strong stomach-brain synchronization may signal the nervous system is under strain or dysregulated in the context of psychological burden [1][2][3].
Unlike much previous gut-brain research focusing on gut bacteria and the lower intestines, this work highlights the stomach’s own intrinsic nervous system ("second brain") and its slow rhythmic electrical activity as a novel biomarker for mental health. It may pave the way for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting this stomach-brain connection [1][2].
In summary:
- The study reveals a link between the synchronization of the brain and the stomach’s slow electrical waves and mental health.
- Tight coupling between brain activity and stomach’s slow waves is associated with greater mental distress, including elevated anxiety, depression, and stress levels.
- This synchronization was specifically linked to brain frontoparietal regions, areas involved in cognitive control.
- The findings suggest that increased frontoparietal brain coupling to the gastric rhythm may indicate psychological strain and could potentially serve as a biomarker for mood disorders.
- The research was conducted by Micah Allen and colleagues at Aarhus University and published in Nature Mental Health.
For further information, please contact Jakob Christensen from Aarhus University.
[1] Allen, M. et al. (2023). Stomach-brain coupling indexes a dimensional signature of mental health. Nature Mental Health. [2] [Website] (Accessed: 2023-04-10). [3] [Website] (Accessed: 2023-04-10).
- This groundbreaking neuroscience research by Aarhus University, published in Nature Mental Health, explores stomach-brain synchronization and its impact on mental health.
- The study, supported by the Lundbeck Foundation, found that stronger synchronization between brain activity and stomach's slow electrical waves corresponds with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
- The findings reveal that the frontoparietal regions of the brain, associated with cognitive control, are particularly involved in this synchronization.
- The study challenges previous assumptions that stronger communication between body systems and the brain is always beneficial, suggesting that increased stomach-brain synchronization may indicate psychological strain.
- This research highlights the stomach's intrinsic nervous system (often called the 'second brain') and its slow rhythmic electrical activity as a potential novel biomarker for mental health issues.
- Machine learning algorithms and health-and-wellness platforms might potentially utilize this biomarker in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting the stomach-brain connection.
- The neuroscience news about brain activity, mental health, and mental-health related stress and anxiety, can be found in the published article in Nature Mental Health or by contacting Jakob Christensen from Aarhus University for further information.
