HAPPINESS and Gut Health

Q: How does gut health influence mental well-being, and can practices like meditation actively support a healthier digestive system? The gut is often called the second brain because it has over 500 million neurons that constantly talk to the brain through the vagus nerve.

- DR. PALANIAPPAN MANICKAM

DR. PALANIAPPAN MANICKAM in conversation with PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN on happiness and its influence on health. Dr. Pal is a gastroenterologist and public health advocate known for making complex medical topics accessible.

When the gut is inflamed or the microbiome is disturbed, it can affect mood, focus, and even lead to anxiety or depression. On the flip side, when you practice a meditation such as Heartfulness, you reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which directly calms your gut and allows healthy bacteria to flourish. So yes, a peaceful mind really does translate into a healthier gut.

Q: Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating have gained popularity. From a gastroenterological perspective, what are the benefits of these practices, and are there any misconceptions about them?