Scientists say that humans may have a second brain, you know, ma’am. Yes, second brain. You may not have thought that our digestive system is not only responsible for digesting food and absorbing nutrients. More than that, our digestive system acts as a communication center with the brain, and is the front line of disease prevention1. It’s not surprising that the food digestive system is called the second brain.
What’s Special about the Second Brain
The food digestive system has its own nervous system, called the Enteric Nervous System (SSE). This is actually our second brain because the SSE can regulate the function of the digestive system independently without relying on the central nervous (brain), while also communicating in two directions with the brain. If we compare it, our nervous system is like a country, with the brain as the central government, and the SSE as a special autonomous region.
The second brain is special because apart from regulating digestive function, it also regulates immune and hormonal function3. SSE responds to every change that occurs in our digestive tract. Signals from the digestive tract are then converted into coktoto online nerve impulses which are distributed to the intestines and other organs, including the brain.
This connection between digestion and the brain is known as the gut-brain axis10. The digestive tract will influence the brain to produce hormones, one of which is the hormone serotonin which produces feelings of happiness and comfort. So whatever intake a child consumes will not only strengthen his digestive tract, but also his brain and big heart 5.10.
Interestingly, the condition of the digestive tract, especially the intestines, plays a big role in a child’s growth and development. A study of stunted children aged 2-5 years in sub-Saharan Africa found that stunting (a condition of growth failure in children) is most likely related to an imbalance of bacteria in the small intestine4.
Any parent definitely wants their child to grow up healthy, intelligent and strong. The role of the second brain in children’s health and growth and development is so great, maintaining the food digestive system is an important key for your little one’s growth and development. Mothers can do several things below, so that the digestive tract and brains of both children are always healthy.
Fulfill Children’s Food Fiber Needs
Dietary fiber plays a major role in maintaining digestive tract health. Apart from helping the digestive process and preventing constipation, some types of dietary fiber also act as prebiotics which stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the intestine6. Children aged 1–3 years need 19 grams of fiber every day7. Mothers can give their little ones Bebelac Core which contains FOS:GOS in the exact ratio of 1:9, as well as 13 vitamins and 5 minerals. Remember, ma’am, proper nutrition can keep your little one’s digestive tract healthy (happy tummy).
Give Probiotic Intake
Probiotics are different from prebiotics, ma’am. If prebiotics are foods that stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the intestine, probiotics are good bacteria found in food or drinks. When consumed, probiotics will help maintain the balance of bacteria in the intestines.