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Did you know your gut and mind are closely connected?
So, if you’re feeling off balance mentally, it might just be time to give some attention to your digestive health.
In this blog post , you will learn about this brain belly connection and ways to improve gut health and overall wellness.
Gut Microbiome
In recent years, researchers have discovered a powerful link between mental wellness and gut health.
The human gut is home to trillions of microbes and these microbes are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system as well as overall physical and mental health.
An imbalance in the microbial composition of the gut can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including problems with mental wellness.
Studies have shown that an unhealthy gut can lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, mood swings, chronic fatigue and other mental health issues.
Gut Brain Science
It’s believed that this is due to the connection between the brain-gut axis (the bidirectional communication system between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract).
Since the two systems work together so closely, it’s important to keep them both functioning properly for optimal physical and mental health and wellbeing.
But how exactly does having an unhealthy gut affect our mental wellbeing?
There are many potential factors involved but some of the most interesting findings involve certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine which are produced by healthy bacteria in our intestines.
Low levels of these chemicals can lead to a decrease in positive thinking, increased stress levels and reduced motivation – all of which have negative impacts on our overall well being.
An imbalanced microbiome can lead to inflammation which in turn affects cognitive function, resulting in foggy headedness and confusion.
This imbalance can also lead to decreased clarity and focus.
So how can we improve our gut health so that we don’t suffer from these kinds of issues?
Here are a few tips for taking better care of our digestive health:
Avoiding processed foods. Processed foods can have a negative effect on digestive health as they are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can cause inflammation in the body and create an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
Eating nutrient rich foods that are high in probiotics, such as yogurt and kombucha, can help to feed good bacteria in the gut.
Foods that are rich in prebiotics such as bananas, onions, garlic, oats, and apples can also help to provide nourishment for beneficial bacteria.
Adding probiotics or prebiotics into your daily routine is also a great way to supplement beneficial bacteria in your intestines which will help keep them balanced. Here is the probiotic I recommend, based on clinical research of what is now being considered “psychoprobiotics.” Click on the image for product information.
Exercising helps boost good bacteria while reducing stress levels.
Spending time outdoors in the sunlight can help boost Vitamin D levels, which in turn helps support the gut immune response.
Taking time for yourself each day to relax or meditate. This can help reduce stress and keep your body healthy.
Remember – taking care of your whole self means being proactive about both physical AND mental wellbeing–and exploring the link between gut health and mental wellness is a great place to start!