The Mind-Gut Connection: How Addressing Your Gut Can Be a Game-Changer for Your Health
The connection between the mind and gut is quickly becoming more popular in the health field and for good reason. Focusing on this relationship can lead to substantial health improvements. Research increasingly reveals that the microbes in your gut communicate with your brain and can greatly impact your emotions and behaviors.
Did you know your gut houses trillions of bacteria (yes, you read that right) and other microbes that communicate directly with your brain through the vagus nerve? This has led to the gut being referred to as your “second brain” because it affects nearly every biological process in your body, from digestion to hormones to neurotransmitters. For example, over 90% of your body's serotonin is produced in the gut and a large portion of your immune system is located there as well. Therefore, maintaining gut health is crucial not only for physical well-being but also for mental health.
A change in the composition of your gut microbes has been shown to affect your mood, pain tolerance, cognition, behavior, and even your mental health. There needs to be a delicate balance of your gut ecosystem and when there is a dysbiosis you may find yourself feeling brain fog, anxiety, depression, bloating, cramping, and some other not-so-fun symptoms. To improve and optimize your health it is imperative to pay attention to your gut.
Things that can be negatively impacting the balance of your gut microbiome are:
Frequent use of antibiotics
Medications
Poor diet
Excessive alcohol use
Birth control
Stress
Tips for supporting your gut microbiome:
Avoid processed food - your gut microbes help to break down the food you eat and your body needs a variety of fruits, veggies, proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs to work properly. These foods contain important nutrients and compounds then help all processes of our body leading to your body working like a well-oiled machine. A diet high in sugar, refined carbs, and additives can cause a dysbiosis of the gut and may lead to leaky gut which can then lead to symptoms and a potential diagnosis when it becomes chronic
Incorporate fermented foods - these foods contain probiotics which are strains of good bacteria that can aid in maintaining a healthy and well-balance ecosystem in your gut
Exercise - consistent exercise has shown to have a positive impact on gut microbiota, digestion, and maintaining a robust immune system
Have stress management tools in place - stress can impact gut motility and disrupt the harmony of the gut microbiome leading to overgrowth of things such as candida, parasites, etc.
Everyone is different and unique, so there is not a one size fits all approach to gut health. What works for one person, may not work for you. That is why it is always recommended to test, not guess. These tests can show insights on any overgrowth in the gut, sensitivities, digestion, and more! Then based on results, you can create an individualized plan to meets your specific needs that will give you long-term results.
Unlock the secrets of your gut with at-home functional medicine testing:
Working with an integrative health coach can help you get to the root cause of your symptoms and assist you in rebalancing the body through lifestyle modifications and supplement recommendations. Let’s get you back to feeling like your best self by losing those stubborn pounds, beating the bloat, and gaining your vitality back! Click here to see my services or apply to work with me!
