Gastric Distention and the Brain

Did you know that what happens in your stomach affects what happens in your brain? Studies have shown that gastric distension affects neurons, thinking cells, in portions of the brain. Areas involved include gray matter in the mesencephalic periaqueductal gray or MPG that has to do with modulation of pain and defensive behaviors; and the hypothalamus that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and circadian cycles.