Did you know that your gut can influence your everyday mental wellbeing? The gut communicates with the brain through various pathways. A healthy gut ensures proper communication with the brain, influencing mood, cognition, and behaviour. Similarly, the gut-brain axis plays a significant role in the body's response to stress. A healthy gut microbiome can help reduce the impact of stress on mental health. 

What is the gut microbiome? 

The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that inhabit your gut. Consisting of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that collectively play essential roles in human health- such as aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption, producing vitamins and regulating the immune system.  

What is the gut brain axis?

 The gut-brain axis is like a communication highway connecting your gut and your brain. It is a two-way street where signals travel back and forth, influencing each other's function. So, when you have a "gut feeling" or get butterflies in your stomach when you are nervous, that is your gut-brain axis at work. It shows how intricately connected your gut and brain really are, affecting not just your digestion but also your mood and overall wellbeing. 

How can I support my gut health? 

Approximately 70-80% of the body's immune system is in the gut. Taking prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibres that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, can create a healthier gut environment. robiotics, on the other hand, are live healthy bacteria that confer mental health benefits by reducing inflammation in the gut. Taking supplements such as our Phytologic Happy Gut Capsules, which contain 20 billion beneficial bacteria across 10 strains, can aid in giving our gut the optimum microbiome and supporting a strong gut.

5 ways to you can support your gut: 

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are like food for the good bacteria living in your gut. They're special types of fiber that your body can't digest but that the healthy bacteria in your gut love to eat. As these bacteria eat, they multiply and produce beneficial substances like short-chain fatty acids, which help keep your gut healthy. Some examples of prebiotic rich foods include bananas, asparagus, oats, and apples.

Probiotics

 When you take probiotics, these friendly bacteria make their way into your gut and help balance the community of microorganisms living there. They crowd out harmful bacteria and support the growth of beneficial ones, creating a healthier environment in your gut.  

Reducing alcohol intake 

Reducing alcohol intake can have a positive impact on gut health. Alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and damage the lining of the digestive tract.  

Getting enough sleep 

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in your gut and supporting proper digestive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your gut happy and healthy. 

Eating the right food

Eating fibre-rich foods and limiting intake of artificial sweeteners is necessary to maintain a healthy gut. Fermented foods such as yoghurt and sauerkraut are also very important as they contain beneficial bacteria. 

In simple terms, the connection between gut health and mental health highlights the importance of taking care of your gut for overall wellbeing. By prioritizing gut health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep, you can support both your physical and mental health, promoting a happier and more balanced life.

Did you know that your gut health can influence your hormonal balance? For more information click here: https://napiers.net/blogs/news/the-gut-hormone-connection