Research has shown our gut health plays a bigger part in our overall health than we previously realized, especially our mental health. As someone who suffers from gut health issues, I felt it was super important to share this information, in hopes to help others who may be suffering (or will be in the future.)
Let’s start with the basics of gut health
Your gut’s primary responsibility is to control digestion. After you swallow, your body releases enzymes that break down your food and then your gut absorbs the nutrients to fuel your body.
Did you know that 70% of our immune system is located in our gut? 70%! With a percentage that high, it’s incredibly important to fuel our bodies the right way.
Think about when you’re sick, you’re more inclined to reach for something healthy to eat because you know it’s better for your body than when you’re not sick.
If we choose to eat like that when we are feeling ill, why would we not choose to eat like that all the time? We know it’s the right way to go about things.
The second brain
In today’s age, the gut is more often referred to as “the second brain” because of how much it actually controls our behaviors and emotions.
95% of serotonin is produced in the gut! Which, according to Sanofi, “means that digestive disruptions can be the cause or the effect of anxiety, stress or depression.”
It’s interesting, we’re finding out now that depression and anxiety can actually be caused by poor gut health, when for many years, it was believed to be the other way around.
So many people with anxiety or depression were told it was because of their nerves, me included.
This is alarming and eye opening for those that deal with ANY of those problems.
To know that you can take matters into your own hands, to an extent, and help control these things by properly taking care of your gut is huge!
Sadly, 30-40% of the population will experience guts health problems at some point in their lives (Jay Pasricha, M.D.)
How you can positively impact your gut health
So, what can we do about it? Here are ten ways you can immediately take control and start impacting your gut in a positive way:
- Get more sleep!
- Slow down while eating
- Drink plenty of water
- Take probiotics
- Eats lots of veggies and fruits
- Eat fermented foods like Kimchi, Yogurt or Kombucha
- Avoid artificial sweeteners
- Avoid a high sugar diet
- Eat whole grains
- Exercise regularly
Summary
If you suffer from any of the issues mentioned above, I’m not a doctor, but I suggest changing some habits to include the above 10 mentioned items and see how you feel after a month!
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