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Writer's pictureSherin Joy

The Brain-Gut Connection

The more mental health is studied, the more we see a correlation between “gut health” and mental health. The “gut” which is also known as the second brain makes up the enteric nervous system (also known as ENS). As more research is done, we see the increased connections between the “gut”, mood and health overall.

When we look at individuals with poor eating habits, we often see more irritability and mood disorders. For a long time, many doctors thought stomach issues such as IBS, diarrhea, bloating and upset stomach were a side effect of anxiety or depression but now, more research is showing that it may be the other way around. New findings even show that gastrointestinal irritation may trigger mood changes by sending signals to the central nervous system.

Foods for a healthy gut:


Foods with Omega 3 such as:

  • Salmon

  • Flax Seeds

  • Chia Seeds

  • Walnuts

  • Seaweed

Foods with fiber such as

  • Leaks

  • Oats

  • Bananas

  • Apples

  • Beans

  • Whole Grains

Fermented/Probiotics such as:

  • Kimchi

  • Miso Soup

  • Yogurt

  • Tofu

  • Sauerkraut


Some other things to consider: reduce your intake of meat, sugar, alcohol and cut out any other unhealthy gut habits such as smoking or vaping. Remember to take a multivitamin so that you can supplement any part of your diet that you may not be getting enough of. Also remember to get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water and exercise regularly.


If you are like me and often skip meals or eat unbalanced meals, we are on this journey together. Try meal prepping for the week. Let’s try to eat 3 balanced meals a day, drink at least 8-10 cups of water and exercise for at least 30 mins a day.


My best advice is to get connected with a specialist – registered dietician, holistic nutritionist or ayurvedic doctor etc. to learn more in depth of how gut health is so closely linked with so many other aspects of our overall health.





For even more: We had the incredible chance to ‘sit down’ with Holistic Nutritionist, Stephanie Papadakis to discuss the importance of nutrition education as well as how nutrition plays a role in mental and ocular health. Here are some tips she shared on how to improve overall health just by eating the right kinds of food! Go With Your Gut! Wellness 101: Nutrition, Ocular, and Mental Health!


Always go with your gut!

Love,

Sherin


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