Steps To Support Your Gut-Brain Connection
You are likely already aware of the strong connection between our gut and brain if you have ever experienced an unexplained anxious churning in your stomach. As we understand more about this relationship, it becomes clear that the effect extends much beyond the sensation of butterflies.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers, who are significantly more prone to experience psychological issues like anxiety and despair, have demonstrated this. Although we previously believed that this relationship merely resulted from symptoms lowering a person's quality of life, it now seems that the health of our guts may be the cause of the mood disorders rather than the other way around. Studies have demonstrated that improving gut health can successfully reduce IBS symptoms and significantly elevate spirits.
Healthy hormone signals that affect mood, cognition, stress tolerance, and even appetite levels can be disrupted by an unhealthy gut. Let's examine this more closely and then discuss what you can do to prevent it.
How Does Our Gut Affect Our Health?
The gut microbiome is made up of billions of different bacteria which live in your gut. They play a variety of important functions in the body, including aiding in the breakdown of indigestible fibers during digestion and assisting with nutrient absorption. In addition, the microbiome can affect every aspect of your health, spanning immune function to metabolic and cognitive function.
The quantity and variety of the gut's bacteria, often known as its bacterial diversity and abundance, are the most significant elements that affect gut health. Your health can be greatly impacted by dysbiosis, a condition in which the balance of these bacteria is wrong.
Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut flora, can be brought on by several things, such as:
Nutrition
Infections
Medication (antibiotics and NSAIDs)
Stress
Environmental toxins that build up in our bodies include those found in pesticides, tap water chemicals, skin/household products, and a variety of others that we are exposed to.
Steps To Support Your Gut-Brain Connection
However, what is healthy for your stomach and brain is also healthy for the rest of your body.
Here are five concrete measures you can take to support your gut-brain axis, while more severe dysbiosis instances may require a more focused approach:
Consume good fats, particularly those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids with EPA and DHA, to promote brain function, hydrate the stomach, and maintain normal levels of inflammation. Salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 3–4 times a week, aim for 5 ounces.
Focus on consuming the rainbow of vividly colored fruits and vegetables, such as berries, as part of a nutrient-dense diet. An excellent source of antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage and improve blood flow to the brain to promote brain and gut health. Perfect to include in a smoothie for breakfast.
To increase the bacterial variety and repopulate the gut, consider taking suitable supplements or eating foods that contain living microorganisms (fermented foods are a fantastic source). It is crucial to remember that any bacterial overgrowth must be treated before probiotics are added.
Reduce stress since high levels of cortisol are related to both digestive problems and an increase in brain inflammation. Meditation, yoga, and other calming practices have been demonstrated to help lower stress levels.
Get enough sleep as the body repairs and regenerates at its best when you're asleep. Consistently receiving 7-9 hours of sleep will have significant advantages for general health. Altered circadian rhythms can have a harmful influence on our gut microbiota so poor sleep should be avoided.
Every system in our body is intricately connected, which is essential for maintaining our general health. A domino effect occurs when one system is out of balance, which can cause subsequent problems. Knowing how your gut and brain interact while supporting your microbiota via diet and lifestyle choices can help you look and feel your best both physically and mentally.
You’re an individual and at KayKon we believe you should have a customized Personalized Wellness Plan created just for you based on your goals and current health conditions. If you’re interested in taking back control of your health and living a life full of energy, vitality, and wellness we urge you to book an initial 15min consultation today!
In Good Health
The Kaykon Team
