The Gut-Brain Connection
The Gut-Brain Connection
If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach due to nerves or anxiety, you’ve experienced the powerful gut-brain connection.
Humans have two nervous systems. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, which contain a network of nerve cells that sends signals to other cells throughout the body. The enteric nervous system, sometimes called “the second brain,” exists in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The two nervous systems communicate with each other through the gut-brain axis, which links emotion and cognition with gut function.
Many gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome involve both gut function and depression and anxiety. While researchers are continually exploring the gut-brain connection through the field of nutritional psychiatry, we do know that gut health matters for overall health.
Consider these fundamental tips for a happy, healthy gut.
Make whole plant foods the foundation of every meal. Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds throughout the day. Taste these gut-healthy recipes.
Eat a variety of whole plant foods. Because each ingredient has a different nutrient profile, we benefit from eating different whole foods often.
Eat foods with prebiotics. Prebiotics are a type of fiber in plant foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, bananas, artichokes, asparagus, avocado, edamame and whole grains. Prebiotics encourage the growth of gut bacteria that benefit health.
Eat foods with probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that replenish gut bacteria. Probiotics, also known as “active cultures,” are found in fermented foods including yogurt, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir.
