Mental Intelligence: The Central Conductor of Our Consciousness

You might find it surprising, but the brain in your head isn't the only 'brain' in your body. In fact, neuroscience research has revealed that your heart and gut can also be considered brains due to their complex functions and networks.

A study published three years ago showed that these three 'brains' each possess their own dedicated nervous systems, collectively with billions of neurons.*¹

This intricate setup not only allows them to develop and adapt but also to perform critical functions such as receiving, processing, storing, and retrieving information again when necessary.*

Your ‘I Think’ Center: The Head [1st Brain].

Despite making up only about 2% of our body's weight, our head 'brain' consumes an estimated 20% of the body's total energy.*²

This high energy demand is needed for maintaining the health of brain cells, facilitating neurotransmitter synthesis, and ensuring the smooth operation of complex cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and problem-solving.*

The head, or what we can call the [1st Brain], is the core of your Central Nervous System (CNS).

It houses approximately 86 billion neurons—cells responsible for processing and transmitting information. Here, synapses spark electrical impulses and hormones communicate, enabling consciousness and awareness.

But most importantly, it's your 'Logic & Intellect' center that gives you the ability to identify patterns and make sense of the world.

Your brain governs cognition, behavior, movement, and vital life functions such as breathing and heartbeat. It regulates various conscious and unconscious processes, maintains internal homeostasis—or balance— and dictates the body's response to stress.

Although a prolonged, overactive stress response can be harmful, in the short term, it mobilizes the body's energy to navigate and avoid environmental threats.³

Here's the interesting part: your brain doesn't work alone.

As mentioned above, your Head [1st Brain] is part of a three-brain system that also includes the Heart [2nd Brain] and the Gut [3rd Brain].*⁴

When working together, the three brains don't lie. Many of us know this from personal experience.

We can accomplish amazing things when we listen to our bodies and pay attention to each brain within us. We can find ourselves healthier, happier, and more engaged at home, at work, and in life.*

And when there is a disturbance, many can 'feel it.' Because the head, heart, and gut are so closely connected, the stress response—or any other perturbations in the central nervous system, such as feelings of sadness or anxiousness—can profoundly impact not just the [1st Brain]... but all three systems.*⁵

What is this connection? Well, the research found that our head-brain is inextricably connected to both the heart and gut via the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Enteric Nervous System (ENS), which manages unconscious bodily functions.*⁶

And both these systems can be quite important for our overall well being.*

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is your body's autopilot.

What does that mean? ANS is a division of the body's peripheral nervous system that operates in the background, controlling functions you don't have to consciously manage (such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestion).*

It is also famously involved in the body's ‘fight or flight’ response, a physiological reaction that seeks to mobilize the body's energy resources as a natural survival mechanism during a state of heightened stress, anxiousness, or emotional arousal.*

While evolutionarily adaptive, the ‘fight or flight’ mechanism can severely impact the body over time, leading to chronic problems in not just head-brain function, but also the heart and gut.*^7,8

The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) manages the function of your gastrointestinal tract.

ENS is often called 'the second brain' because it can manage digestion independently of the brain.*

Why is this system important? Because it handles everything, from breaking down food to controlling the rate at which your stomach empties. It can also communicate back and forth with the brain about the state of your gut and your body's overall needs.*

These systems impact your everyday life in several ways.

→ For instance, when you're stressed, the ANS can speed up your heart rate and slow your digestion, possibly causing stomach discomfort.*

→ Conversely, if something's wrong in your gut, the ENS may send signals that influence your mood and wellbeing, sometimes leading to anxiety or feeling down.*

One more thing.

This connection may imply that disturbances in our CNS (like stress or emotional upheaval) can significantly affect these vital organs, potentially leading to serious health challenges.*

At HCF®, we understand the critical importance of the brain-heart-gut axis. That's why we use cutting-edge technology to develop advanced nootropics that not only deliver neuro-nutrients to support cognitive performance but may also support these three important brains to function at their highest capacity.*

Unlike traditional nootropics that primarily enhance brain function—and might inadvertently stress other systems if not properly balanced—our next-level nootropics may offer a more balanced and comprehensive approach to health and cognitive enhancement.*