Let’s talk about a fascinating topic today: the intriguing link between your gut, your food choices, and your emotions, ultimately shaping how you feel. You may have heard me emphasize the significance of gut health – for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Today, I’m focusing on the impact of gut health on your emotional well-being.
Believe it or not, your gut plays a pivotal role in your moods and emotions, and it all revolves around what and how we eat. Beyond its role in digestion, the gut is often referred to as our “second brain.” Have you heard of this before?
Think about it – have you ever experienced a gut instinct or felt butterflies in your stomach when anxious? These sensations reveal the profound connection between our brain and our gut. This connection is facilitated by a particular nerve known as the vagus nerve, linking the brain and the gut. Fascinating, isn’t it?
In the past, it was commonly believed that the brain solely controlled our digestive system. Fortunately, research has unveiled a more intricate picture. Enter the vagus nerve, our body’s two-way communication highway, but here’s the twist: there’s a lot more traffic from the gut to the brain.
Surprisingly, up to 75% of neurotransmitters like serotonin originate in the gut. Yes, you read that right – our gut can significantly influence our emotions.
Here are the strategies we can use to make our moods and feelings better, even when life gets hectic:
The Secrets of Serotonin
Did you know that 75% of your serotonin, the feel-good hormone, is crafted by the friendly microbes in your gut? These probiotics are the unsung heroes behind your mood. Supporting them through a gut-friendly diet and foods rich in essential amino acids like tryptophan and tyrosine can boost your serotonin levels. So, embrace gut health and protein-based foods for a mood lift.
Spice Up Your Life
Spices aren‘t just culinary delights; they can also spice up your emotional well–being. You‘re probably familiar with gut-friendly spices like turmeric and ginger, but there are also others like Saffron, for instance. Research has shown how effective Saffron is for anxiety and mental health. So, why not add a dash of excitement to your meals? It‘s not just your taste buds that‘ll thank you; your emotional health will too!
The Marvelous Omega-3‘s
Omega-3‘s are the good fats in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, but also in phytoplankton, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp seed oil. Boosting your essential fatty acids supports brain health and emotional well-being.
The Magic of Magnesium
Magnesium is our nervous system’s best friend. It plays a role in neurotransmitter production and helps calm the nerves. Some studies suggest that the majority of people are depleted in magnesium. Dark, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and coconut water are your allies in replenishing this essential mineral.
The Delightful Dopamine Boosters
Dopamine plays a role in reward response. Generally released after food, sex, fun activities and accomplishments. Foods like bananas, apples, berries, and dark-coloured fruits and veggies can provide a dopamine boost, making you feel good. Include these foods and enjoy those rewards!
The Power of Probiotics
Probiotics, those marvellous microbes in your digestive system, aren‘t just about digestion. There are many different species of probiotics in our intestinal system. However, specific species of probiotics are involved in mood, emotions, and mental health. Research has shown that some specific species help to reduce anxiety and depression. Maintain a diet that supports probiotics, and/or consider short-term specific probiotics to balance your gut flora.
The Healing Potential of Fruits and Veggies
Studies show that a higher salad, fruit, and veggie intake correlates with lower anxiety, depression, and stress. These foods nourish your body and support your mental and emotional well–being. Choose foods that nurture your health, mind, and emotions.
Remember…
Remember, you have the power to choose foods that support your health, mind, and emotions.
I’d love to connect with you if you want to learn more about using foods and probiotics to enhance your emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, and manage stress.
Message me, and let’s create specific strategies to help improve your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
