As I suspected, researchers confirm that my stomach has a mind of its own:
The digestive system has a rich network of neurons, which is not too surprising considering the important job it must do. The "enteric nervous system," as its called, mostly controls local feedback: helping the gut (which includes the stomach and the intestines) release the right chemicals, mix and churn food around for digestion, and squeeze food along the system at the right rate.
But researchers have discovered that the nerve cells in the belly are more than just the workhorses of digestion. In fact, they are saying we have a "second brain"--a simple nervous system in the belly that functions unconsciously, partly independent of the big brain in our heads. This collection of neurons doesn't just control digestion once the food's already down the hatch. It plays a role in appetite, eating, and perhaps even helps us decide what food we like to eat.
This makes sense in terms of otherwise inexplicable cravings (hello, pregnant women!) or aversions. For example, I will never forget the taste of chocolate chip banana cake thrown-up over and over and over again, even though it was many many years ago. Today, the sight of chocolate chip banana cake makes my stomach churn. God forbid I get a whiff of the stuff. My perfect nightmare: trapped in a room with a clown, balloons, and chocolate chip banana cake.
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