The wisdom from Donguibogam hundreds of years ago stating that a cold abdomen clouds the mind is explained in modern science through the concept of the gut-brain axis. The brain and the gut are not just connected; they communicate closely like a highway. This link is primarily formed via the vagus nerve, which is a core component of the autonomic nervous system and plays an important role in regulating the stress response and digestive functions.
When we experience stress, stress hormones like cortisol are secreted from the brain, sending signals directly to the gut. The gut responds sensitively to this stress, which can alter intestinal motility or trigger an inflammatory response. Conversely, when problems arise in the gut—meaning a cold abdomen where blood circulation is diminished and gut function is weakened—it adversely affects the gut microbial environment as well. Microorganisms in the gut play a crucial role in producing about 90% of various neurotransmitters, including serotonin, the happiness hormone. When the gut environment deteriorates, the production of this vital hormone decreases, which can directly lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and impaired concentration.
Additionally, a cold abdomen can slow blood circulation and weaken immune function. When our body is exposed to cold stimuli, it consumes more energy to maintain body temperature, which easily leads to systemic fatigue. In particular, the intestinal mucosa is where more than 70% of our body's immune cells are concentrated. If the gut environment worsens, a chronic low-grade inflammation response easily occurs, and research shows these inflammatory substances can travel through the bloodstream to the brain and negatively impact brain function. Ultimately, a cold abdomen goes beyond mere discomfort: it disrupts the balance of the gut-brain axis, causes an imbalance of neurotransmitters, triggers chronic inflammation, and inflicts complex adverse effects on our mental health. Now is the time to stop viewing a cold belly as merely a cold belly and start accepting it as an important signal threatening the peace of our mind.
