Good Bacteria and Your Mood

Did you know that you have a “second brain?” That’s what some people call our enteric nervous system. Found in the gut, this system digests our food and also communicates with the brain. Our “second brain,” which has over 7000 strains of bacteria, may help explain how what we eat affects our mood.  

To maintain a healthy gut, we should promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Choose fermented foods like yogurt at the breakfast buffet and pickled veggies at lunch. Eat more high-fiber prebiotic foods including asparagus, bananas, barley, apples and oats.

Gut bacteria are involved in mood regulation, anxiety and cognition so we should keep them happy and thriving by eating nutritious foods!