food & nutrition

The Gut-Brain Connection

by Ashleah
Ashleah O'Shea from The Conscious Collective mag showing the gut-brain connection photographed by Asher Moss

Maintaining a Healthy Microbiome is Key to Our Overall Well-Being

Amazingly enough, the brain and the gut are able to communicate by way of the immune system, nervous system, and hormones. The various types of microbes in our gut help to determine whether our brain functions properly. Our gut bacteria play a key role in our mood, emotion, digestion, immune function, learning, and memory. Often, what affects our brain also affects our gut, and vice versa.

Why is it important to maintain a healthy gut?

Cultivating a healthy digestive tract helps ensure your overall well-being. No matter what incredible foods and supplements you consume, if your gut is not in tip-top shape, vital nutrients can’t be properly absorbed and used by your body.

Gut flora consists of an array of bacteria, fungi, viruses and numerous other microorganisms. An astonishing 70-80% of our immune system lives in our gut! Other than making sure our tummies don’t get upset, our gut health is imperative for proper communication between every cell in our body. Obesity, autoimmune disorders, acne, improper sleep, anxiety and depression all stem from improper intestinal flora.

A few considerations…

There is a reason you’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Learning to pay close attention to what goes in (and comes out) of your body is essential in maintaining long-term health. For starters, below are a few things to take into consideration….

  • Food allergies and sensitivities can wreak havoc on the gut flora in your stomach. Foods that contain such things as gluten, soy, sugar, corn, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) and dairy are a few items to look out for if you are starting to notice any food intolerances.
  • Taking into consideration that our gut is our “second brain”, elevated levels of stress can cause an upset in your bowels and end up leading to weight gain.
  • Antibiotics are another culprit contributing to numerous stomach ailments. Other than being highly overprescribed, antibiotics are fed to the very animals the majority of Americans ingest daily via meat and dairy. This frequently overlooked fact reinforces the importance of being mindful of where and how your meat and dairy are sourced.

Nutritional support for your gut 

Incorporating a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to encourage the biodiversity in our large intestine. Fermented foods, as well, are a great way to help replenish and support the healthy bacteria in our gut, as are pre- and probiotics — as occur in:

  • Broccoli
  • Kale
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Mushrooms
  • Bananas
  • Jerusalem Artichoke
  • Blueberries
  • Legumes
  • Tempeh
  • Miso
  • Kimchi or sauerkraut
  • Dandelion greens
  • Jicama
  • Nuts and seeds

Along with incorporating organic fruits, veggies and fermented foods into your diet, a high-quality probiotic can work wonders in helping to maintain a healthy gut and digestion!

Interested in benefiting from additional assistance with your personal nutrition choices and planning? Check out my Nutrition Packages & Services page. As a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant, I’m here to help you create a mindful and sustainable lifestyle (and a healthy gut-brain connection!).