Neurons in Your "Gut"

Did you know that mouse research (published in The Journal of Neuroscience) has shown that the lower digestive tract in adults can produce new neurons to the intestinal system? Estimates are that the enteric nervous system contains a million neurons (that control the gastrointestinal or GI system), half of all the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain and body, and perhaps ninety percent of all the neurotransmitter serotonin. No wonder what is going on in your brain can be acted out in GI symptoms! The research showed that drugs similar to serotonin increased the production of new neurons in the intestinal walls.