Mind-Altering Microbiota + 5 Ways to Promote a Healthy Gut and Mood
Have you heard that you have two brains?
Yes, there’s the one in your head…
But what about the one in your gut? The one known as your “second brain?”
There’s 100 million neurons running through your gut; that’s more neurons than in your spinal cord!
It’s no wonder that when you get nervous before a big presentation, your stomach churns, or when you have an exciting event, you get butterflies in your stomach.
The two brains (the one in your head and the one in your gut) are intimately connected.
Which means that those signals run in the opposite direction, too.
From your brain to your gut, and from your gut to your brain.
If your gut is unhealthy, you might experience more stress, anxiety, and depression.
When the GI system is irritated, the neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate our mood become “irritated” and out of balance.
Meaning an out-of-balance gut can trigger mood changes.
Those tiny microbiota are literally mind-altering.
Just imagine: 95% of serotonin, the feel good hormone, is made in your gut!
So if your gut is out of balance, so are your serotonin levels…
An out-of-balance gut can occur for several reasons:
· Poor diet (low fiber, high meat intake, processed foods, lack of variety)
· Antibiotics
· Proton pump inhibitors
· Antacids
· Stress
· Environmental toxins
· Food allergies
“A healthy mind breeds a healthy body, and visa versa.” - Zig Ziglar
Well, a healthy gut breeds a healthy mind and visa versa, too 😉
To reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, you have to prioritize your diet and lifestyle.
Here’s 5 tips to get you started in healing and promoting gut health:
· Focus on fiber (hello, whole grains, fruits, and veggies!)
· Don’t get stuck in a rut! Choose a variety of foods (whole grains, beans, lentils, various fruits/veggies)
· Consume probiotics as part of a healthy diet (yogurt, kombucha, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi)
· If you do eat meat, treat it like a condiment instead of the main event
· Swap in fresh food in place of processed snacks and meals
And if you want specific recipes to get you started on eating for gut health and mental health, I’ve got you covered!
Anti-Inflammatory Pasta Salad>>
Which one will you try first?
