The Second Brain by Michael D. Gershon

Gastric issues and the captivating domain of gut health have long piqued both medical experts and inquisitive minds. Often hailed as our second brain, the gut’s role goes well beyond digestion, extending into the realms of mental health and overall well-being. As gastrointestinal ailments and functional bowel disorders affect a growing number of individuals, understanding the complexities of this essential system becomes paramount.

In this review, we delve into The Second Brain by Dr. Michael D. Gershon, an eminent figure in gastrointestinal research. This book takes us on a journey through the enigmatic enteric nervous system, a frequently overlooked yet vital component of our health.

Throughout his three decades of dedicated research, Dr. Gershon has focused on comprehending the workings of the human gastrointestinal system, encompassing the stomach, oesophagus, small intestine, and colon. His extensive investigations have led to an astounding revelation: the existence of neural cells within the gut that function as a quasi-brain.

The Second Brain by Michael D. Gershon is a captivating exploration of the enteric nervous system, often referred to as the “second brain.” In this book, Gershon dives into the previously overlooked and mysterious realm of the gut’s intrinsic nervous system, unveiling its inner workings and its crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Organised into three distinct parts, the book covers the following key subjects:

1. Unveiling the notion of a second brain residing in the gut.

2. Illuminating the structure and functionality of the nervous system.

3. Investigating the intricate processes of digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Identifying potential threats that can arise within the digestive system.

5. Examining the collaborative efforts between the second brain and the immune system to defend against microbial intruders.

6. Emphasising the potential advantages that a deeper comprehension of the second brain holds for millions of individuals, particularly the 40% of adults grappling with functional bowel disorders.

• Preface
• Part I: The Early Breakthroughs
• Chapter 1: The Discovery of the Second Brain

Michael D. Gershon presents a profound exploration of the gut as the second brain. Gershon delves into the history of this rediscovery, highlighting the work of pioneers like Bayliss and Starling, who established the existence of the enteric nervous system in the gut. This intrinsic nervous system, often overlooked in other organs, exhibits remarkable properties, including the ability to initiate reflexes independently.

Through experiments like Trendelenburg’s, it became evident that the gut’s intrinsic nervous system possesses brain-like capabilities. This revelation reshapes our understanding of the gut’s significance and its intricate neural network, shedding light on the remarkable second brain that plays a pivotal role in our bodily functions.

The digestive system’s top and bottom ends, controlled by the brain, play a crucial role in determining bowel function, and this connection between the brain and gut can be influenced by mental conditions. Various psychiatric illnesses, like eating disorders and personality disorders, can manifest with enteric symptoms, highlighting the strong connection between mental health and gastrointestinal function.

While it’s commonly believed that thoughts can affect gut behaviour, it’s essential to recognise that enteric illness can originate independently within the enteric nervous system, not solely due to mental influence.

Understanding the intricacies of the enteric nervous system and its role in gastrointestinal health is essential, especially in addressing conditions like functional bowel disease, where symptoms can be debilitating yet often lack a clear pathological link. While previous limitations in studying the enteric nervous system have impeded progress, recent advancements in the field provide hope for identifying specific diseases and developing effective therapies, potentially improving the lives of those affected by functional bowel diseases.

Delves into the fascinating evolutionary and physiological aspects of the colon. It highlights how the colon likely evolved as a mechanism to help land animals conserve water through the process of salt removal, ultimately aiding in water absorption.

The book discusses the presence of symbiotic bacteria in the colon and the role of diarrhoea in cleansing the colon of pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, it explores groundbreaking research on congenital megacolon, revealing insights into the formation of the enteric nervous system in mice and the importance of neural crest-derived cells. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of the colon’s function, evolution, and its vital role in the development of the enteric nervous system.

Strengths

Weaknesses

“Surveys have shown that over 40 percent of patients who visit internists do so for gastrointestinal problems. Half of those have “functional” complaints.”

“On the other hand, unlike the skin, the intestinal lining has also to participate in the critical processes of digestion and absorption. Digestion is the term for the variety of means by which the complex and often very large molecules in food are converted to simpler and smaller molecules that can then be moved from the lumen of the gut into the body. Absorption is the term for the transport of the products of digestion across the lining of the bowel to reach blood and lymph vessels in the wall of the intestine.”

“When I learned that over 95 percent of the body’s serotonin is made in the bowel, therefore, I decided that the organ had promise. In fact, I now know that my original concept of a “simple” nervous system was wrong. A simple nervous system is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp; nevertheless, the enteric nervous system, the nervous system of the gut, is simpler than the brain, and its study has served to keep me off the streets.”

Where to buy

You may purchase The Second Brain on Amazon at the best price. It is available in paperback, audio and Kindle versions, so you may choose an option that appeals to you the most.

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