My gut is connected to my brain?

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The gut-brain connection

In traditional Western medicine, the body and the mind have always been treated as two separate entities. However, recent research has proven that they’re connected, and much more connected than we thought possible.  

The technicality

The gut-brain axis is the two-way communication channel between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system (which includes the entire gastrointestinal tract). Because of this, the emotional and cognitive functions in our brains are linked with our gastrointestinal functions. Microbiota in the intestine interacts with the central nervous system through multiple pathways- proving that what we eat plays a huge role in our brain health.

 




What is our gut environment?

In our intestines, we have a microbiome filled with trillions of good bacteria that each play a different role in your body and are extremely important to our health. This bacteria is essential for digestion, absorption, and immune system function. 


Anxiety and depression

The gut-brain connection proves that what we eat plays a vital role in our mood and mental state. Probiotics provide support for your body by controlling harmful microorganisms, improving digestion and improving absorption of nutrients. In addition, countless research studies have proven the success with administering probiotics to reduce inflammation, signs of distress, and anxiety.

A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that low carbohydrate consumption is linked to depression in females, and that a diet high in fiber is likely to lower your depression risk. 

A little background on mood factors: Serotonin is the most influential hormone on our mood, happiness, and feelings of well-being. This is why those suffering from depression or anxiety are often prescribed serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, which increases the amount of this feel-good hormone called serotonin, and causing depression and anxiety to suppress. 

In conclusion, we want serotonin because it’s our feel-good hormone and is associated with feelings of happiness and ease. However, 90% of our serotonin receptors, which allow our bodies to use the serotonin, are located in our gut. This means gut health and healthy eating are the most influential factors on our mood. Crazy, right?



3 Foods/spices to help anxiety symptoms


  1. Salmon
    • Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, are nutrients that promote brain health and function. These nutrients help regulate serotonin, which has relaxing and feel-good properties. 
    • Aim for 2-3 servings of salmon per week to help promote anxiety relief
  2. Turmeric
    • This spice contains curcumin, which assists in preventing anxiety from developing
    • Curcumin helps the body synthesize omega-3 fatty acids more efficiently. It has also been seen to prevent inflammation and damage to brain cells
  3. Yogurt
    • The probiotics found in yogurt can help improve many bodily functions. Probiotics block toxins and damaging molecules from attacking nerve tissue in the brain; causing a decreased risk of developing depression and anxiety

 

Source:

https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0217p14.shtml


-ND


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