The Second Brain - More metaphors and science

I read an article in O by Chip Brown on gut thinking which referred to the enteric nervous system and vagus nerve that link the gut to the brain. Not only doe it regulate digestion and play a role in the body's immune system, it's also full of biochemicals characterized as the "the molecules of emotion" by Candace Pert. He also discusses a book by Lisa Sarasohn, The Woman's Belly Book, in which she explores Japan's use of the word hara as a metaphor linking the brain and the belly. The validity of gut thinking feels right and seeing how science can support the metaphors confirms my intuition.

Flexitarians

Michael Pollan provides solid advice on healthy eating. In a recent article, he introduced me to the concept of a flexitarian, someone who eats mostly vegetables but does not shun meat. I realize that hard-core vegetarians probably see flexitarians in the same way atheists see agnostics, that is to say, cowardly, but I'm pretty happy with my flexitarian (and agnostic) ways. I think it's better for the personal and global health to limit my intake of animal protein, but I don't want to deny my omniverous ways. Part of the reason why that humans have continued to thrive (for better or worse) as a race is that they are flexible enough to find nutrition in a host of different ways. I have no desire to deny or lose that capability.