The gut-brain connection, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, illuminates the direct link between gut functions and the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain. Within your digestive tract lies what is often termed a “second brain,” comprising the enteric nervous system (ENS), which alone boasts between 400-600 million neurons among the body's 100 billion neurons.
Key to this connection is the vagus nerve, which communicates messages between the brain and the ENS in response to various stimuli like stress or the presence of food. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine also play crucial roles in controlling emotions and feelings. Remarkably, over 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, which also synthesizes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating fear and anxiety.
Moreover, the microbiome, the bacteria residing in your gut, plays a pivotal role in producing chemical transmitters that facilitate communication between your brain and gut. These bacteria also produce chemicals that influence cognitive functions and emotional states, thereby regulating brain chemistry and impacting various bodily systems.
How the Gut-Brain Connection Impacts Your Health
The influence of the gut-brain axis extends to numerous bodily functions, affecting:
- Feelings of hunger and food preferences
- Food intolerances and sensitivities
- Metabolism
- Digestion
- Mood and mental health
- Stress
- Sensitivity to pain
- Cognitive performance
- Immunity
Nurturing Your Gut-Brain Connection
Maintaining a healthy gut-brain connection involves simple daily practices:
Healthy Diet
Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole, unprocessed foods. Focus on:
High-Fiber Foods
Fibrous foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Fiber aids digestion, promotes beneficial bacteria and protects against diseases.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria found in fermented foods, and prebiotics are what the bacteria in your gut like to eat. Eating fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, kombucha, nattō and tempeh can boost the healthy gut microbiome and have been found to provide antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal benefits. Prebiotic foods include garlic, onions, asparagus, bananas, oats, barley, apples, cocoa, flaxseeds and wheat bran. Probiotic supplementation can also help regulate microbial imbalances, aid nutrient absorption, combat harmful bacteria, and strengthen immunity.
Omega-3 Fats
Healthy fats in cold-water fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils support good gut bacteria and brain health.
Polyphenol-rich Foods
Sources include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. Polyphenols boost digestion and brain health.
Exercise
Regular physical activity positively influences the gut-brain connection, promoting a healthy microbiome and enhancing metabolic and mental health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.
Science-Backed Therapies and Services
Biomarker Assessments
Evaluate your blood for nutrient deficiencies, chemical reactions, and genetic markers affecting your health with a Biomarker Assessment. Afterward, get a free, 30-minute consultation with a Cell Science Nutritionist who can guide you through foods, vitamins, and supplement recommendations to support your health.
Intravenous (IV) Drip Therapy
IV Drip Therapy at Restore offers customizable infusions of essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and amino acids directly into your bloodstream, promoting optimal health and performance.
Intramuscular (IM) Shots
IM Shots offer efficient delivery of essential nutrients into muscle tissue, bypassing metabolism for rapid absorption to help enhance your vitality and well-being.
Strengthen the Connection
By nurturing your gut-brain connection, you enhance your overall health and well-being.
Book your Biomarker Assessment, IV Drip or IM Shot appointment today.
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