Our body is the pillar that holds us up day in and day out, and the different systems within it is what allows us to keep moving throughout our days, but did you know that all of these systems are connected? Today, we are going to highlight specifically the connection between your gastrointestinal system and your brain. Unfortunately, this means if you are experiencing high levels of anxiety, sadness, or irritability this could be due to the foods/drinks you are using to nourish your digestive system. These emotions could negatively impact the digestive tract as well.
The Connection Between Your Brain and Your Gut
A great example of the connection between your gut and your brain is that feeling you get right before a big presentation or deadline comes, you might find yourself feeling nauseous or queasy. This is due to this connection, but luckily can be maintained through the proper habits.
A leaky gut is when your gut lining, which controls the maintenance of all the substances you put into your body, gets damaged and has holes and gaps in which foods can leave the area of your body it should be in and instead damage other parts of your body making the digestive process much more difficult. For more information on what leaky gut is and how to handle it, click here.
Here are some digestive issues that might arise from feelings of anxiousness, sadness, or anger:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Watery Stool
- Abdominal Pain
Now that we know the connection between the brain and your gut, let's dive into how you can best support these parts of your body to avoid these pesky issues.
Health Tips To Best Support Your Gut for a Happy Brain
There are some key foods that are beneficial for this connection and these include:
Foods high in fiber
Fiber is especially essential if you are experiencing constipation. This is because it helps to bulk up your stool which makes it easier to pass, as well as give more weight and size to your stool that can help to push through any excess substances that are just sitting in your stomach. If you are struggling with watery stool, the fiber will help to absorb this extra water which is what is making it more unpleasant to get rid of.
Some foods that are high in fiber include beans, grains, avocados, and apples to name a few. The beauty of fiber is that it can be found in foods we consume on a daily basis, which makes it easier to adapt our meals to include fiber and reap all of its benefits. Something to keep in mind is to be cautious to not overdo it on fiber, as this can lead to unpleasant symptoms as well.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods are filled with healthy microbes and bacteria that are essential in balancing out the healthy bacteria in your gut. Your gut needs healthy bacteria to thrive, because without it the bad bacteria is going to win leading to issues such as constipation, heartburn, bloating, and can decrease the strength of your immune system.
Some foods that are fermented and can give you this extra boost of healthy bacteria includes: sauerkraut, yogurt, tempeh, miso, and kimchi. Including these foods in your diet whenever you can will only lead to a stronger digestive system, which in turn will lead to more stable emotions. Kombucha is also a highly fermented drink that is a great way to start your day or as a
refreshing drink in the evening. What you drink is just as essential in what you eat when it comes to your digestion.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to increase the bacterial diversity in your gut, which we know is essential in keeping it as strong as ever. Unfortunately, your body does not naturally produce this nutrient, which means we have to rely on the foods we consume to get it into our system. Not only does it contribute to a healthier digestive system, but helps with improving your heart health and maintaining blood pressure.
Many types of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids including: anchovies, oysters, trout, salmon, and tuna. If you do not already have a night that you contribute to eating fish, this is your sign to start doing so! All of these fish are great staples of a healthy and hearty meal to finish your day off or to add to your afternoon salad.
Healthy Habits to Add To Best Support Your Gut
Along with adding these certain foods into your meal planning, you can also support your gut through many habits including taking supplements that help with bloating. Our 3-step wellness routine is a great way to ensure you are getting the support you need throughout your day, and is curated with 3 different supplements.
The first is called Probiotic Renu and contains bifido probiotic cultures which helps to break down foods that might be harder for your digestive system to take on and lacto probiotic cultures that helps to control the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut. We recommend that this supplement be taken first thing in the morning to make sure you are getting the support you need right at the beginning of your day.
The second supplement is called Metaboliz and is curated with a slump in your energy levels in mind, which is why we recommend it be taken in the middle of the day. Along with supporting your energy levels, it also supports your cognitive function, boosts your metabolism, and promotes thyroid health.
The last supplement is called Sexy & Slim that we recommend bet taken right before bed and its main purpose is to aid in the digestive process while you are sleeping to avoid any unwanted bloating and to help detox both your liver and overall body.
All three of these supplements come together to give you the best support you need to avoid digestive issues. Make the change in your life today, and shop our 3-step wellness routine right here!