Gut refers to the alimentary canal, the portion of the stomach or intestines.

It is said that the gut “has a mind of its own” (Williams, 2010). It’s called the enteric nervous system. To put it simply, we have the central brain in our head and the “gut brain” in our stomach. The gut has 100 million neurons and is packed with neurotransmitters.

“In evolutionary terms, it makes sense that the body has two brains, said Dr. David Wingate, a professor of gastrointestinal science at the University of London and a consultant at Royal London Hospital. “The first nervous systems were in tubular animals that stuck to rocks and waited for food to pass by”. The limbic system is often referred to as the “reptile brain.” With evolution the central nervous system developed. However, the enteric nervous system remained as a “independent circuit” in the evolved animals. It can function independently without instructions from the CNS. (as cited in Williams, 2010)

The central brain and the gut are connected by the vagus nerve and there is a steady stream of messages going back and forth between them.

We can all relate to the “butterflies in the stomach” before an important presentation. When the brain senses alarm in some situation, it starts producing the stress hormones. These affect the gut and the result is butterflies in the stomach. These are mechanisms to protect the body. However, when the fear increases, the gut sensory system gets overstimulated and the result is diarrhoea. 
When there is continuous stress, the gut goes into an overdrive and your digestion gets severly impaired. The result is gastrointestinal problems, colitis, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) etc.

To gain an understanding of the gut brain connection click on this link.

EFT Will Help

EFT is an important tool for managing your stress and your digestive issues. Once you understand how stress affects your gut, you can become more pro-active.

You can say the following affirmations daily on your EFT points. It’s by Louise Hay.

“I digest Life Easily/with Ease”

For your digestive issues another daily affirmation is – “I choose to digest food easily” . You can say this before and after every meal. It is important to remember that when you are stressed, your digestion will suffer. So it is imperative that you tackle it with the help of EFT. If it is a chronic emotional issue, then get help from a professional and then continue tapping by yourself.

More suggestions for affirmations – Especially for those suffering from diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion & gastrointestinal issues. (please note: It helps to apply Geo-specific affirmations. For more information click here )

Even though my stress is affecting my digestion, I choose to calmly digest my food.

Even though My gut is overstimulated, I choose to calm my gut nerves and digest food easily.

Even though my gut is in overdrive, I choose to ask my gut and my brain to calm down.

Reference : Williams, S. (2011, October 1) The Enteric Nervous System: The Brain in the Gut. Retrieved from http://www.psyking.net/id36.htm