Two Things Your Gut Needs to Support Your Mental Well-Being
Sep 21, 2023
Research on the gut-brain axis isn’t new. But our interest in this research and the amount of research has grown exponentially in the past few years.
Way back in 1765, Robert Whytt coined the term “nervous sympathy”. He noticed that a huge amount of nerve endings were in the intestines and he believed that this was the system connecting the organs together by “nervous energy”. The common belief came to be that if you felt anxious, your stomach would respond with nausea, vomiting, etc.
He was on to something but he didn’t have the whole picture. We now refer to this connection as the gut-brain axis. Our understanding is that the information or communication travels in BOTH directions.
Our brain sends information to our gut. AND our gut sends information to our brain.
The human gut contains 100 times more microorganisms than the number of cells in your body! One of the important things we’ve learned is that having a disrupted gut (or microbiome) can lead to emotional and mental distress. A disrupted gut just means that your gut is low on beneficial bacteria.
Some of the MOST recent research is now finding Alzheimer's to be affected by our microbiome.
Since we know how important your gut health is to your mental health, let’s talk about what you can do to keep your gut healthy.
There are two things your gut needs to work at it’s best:
1: probiotics
2: prebiotics
Probiotics have been wildly popularized. There are several options at your local drugstore for probiotics. When you take probiotics, you are literally adding the good bacteria to your gut. It’s important for your gut to have an abundance of good bacteria AND a variety of good bacteria.
Many of us have an idea of what probiotics are and that they are good for us. BUT what about PRE-biotics?
The easiest way to think about prebiotics is that it’s the FOOD for PRObiotics. The beneficial bacteria in your gut needs good fuel and prebiotics are what feeds them.
Prebiotics are special types of fiber that support digestive health. Some of the best foods to eat to get your prebiotic intake are garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, apples, and oats.
Cheers to a health gut which will support your overall mental well-being!
You deserve the joy and peace you desire! I’m cheering you on!
Much Love,
Stacey