🔌: The Gut & Brain Connection

Did you know? Your digestive health has a huge role to play in your mental health

 Your Gut And Brain Is Connected Through Millions Of Nerves

Neurons are cells found in your brain and central nervous system that tell your body how to behave. There are about 100 billion neurons in the your brain! Crazy, right? Your gut contains 500 million neurons, which is connected to your brain through nerves in your nervous system. The vagus nerve is one of the biggest ones connecting your gut and brain. It sends signals in both directions!

It’s Also Connected Through Chemicals Called Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters produced in the brain control feelings and emotions. For example, the neurotransmitter serotonin contributes to feelings of happiness and also helps control your body clock. A large proportion of serotonin is produced in the gut! Interestingly, many of these neurotransmitters are also produced by your gut cells and the trillions of microbes living there.

3 Ways To Improve The Gut

1. Omega-3 Fats

   Omega-3 Fats are found in oily fish like mackerel (4,107 mg per serving), salmon (4,123 mg per serving), and cod liver oil (2,682 mg per serving). Those are the top 3! If you're not a fish fan, supplement with Abundant Brain/Omegas!

2. Fermented Foods

   Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, and kombucha all contain healthy microbes to support the gut! Sauerkraut is made from cabbage and salt and is loaded with healthy probiotics and fiber! Look for these kind of fermented foods clean with no added sugar and weird ingredients. Sauerkraut is best bought in the refrigerator section and my favorite kombucha in the world is GTS Trilogy Kombucha (I am an avid Kombucha drinker! 😉).

3. High Fiber Foods

   Focus on fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. They all contain prebiotic fibers that are good for your gut bacteria. We all know the saying an “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and it’s so true! Lentils are great as well, broccoli is delicious roasted in the oven, and so are avocados on salads and on toast! I’ve been loving organic kale lately and adding some green peas and garbanzo beans to my salads! For better digestion, I like to saute the kale first in some avocado oil on the stove! The fiber-rich foods are endless and this a way for you to get really creative in the kitchen!