By Karen Morris.
Did you know that your gut microbe has a huge influence on your mental and emotional health?
We have known for a long time that the food we eat has a big effect on how we feel. But studies are now showing that the link between our diet, our immunes system and gut microbiomes affect our mental health, specifically, inflammation which causes low moods, depression, and anxiety, not to mention a whole host of other potential illnesses.
Serotonin (the “happy hormone”) is the major chemical that’s involved in the regulation of mood and emotion, and research is showing that a lack of good bacteria in the gut significantly affects serotonin levels in the brain. It’s particularly altered during times of stress, anxiety, and depression.
There are trillions of bacteria in your gut, called the microbiome, and they are constantly communicating with our brain. Whilst most of our gut bacteria is located in the colon (or large intestine), studies show that an overgrowth of bacteria higher up in the small intestine – known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may contribute to bloating, leaky gut, nausea, depression and mental health issues and the malabsorption of nutrients.
Feeling sluggish, irritable, having digestive issues, unexplained headaches and blood sugar issues are all signs your body is telling you to heal your gut.
The food you eat and how you nature your intestinal flora is so important. A diet low in sugar and processed foods, adding whole grains and clean protein to your meals will help to start cleaning your system. Beneficial gut bacteria thrive on a natural, plant-based diet because fibre is an optimal source for them.
But is it enough?
Reducing inflammation is also key. If you have had digestive issues and a leaky gut for some time, it can also take time to repair. We recommend our gut healing protein powder protocol, which would include powerhouse herbs like Turmeric (Curcumin), apple pectin and L-Glutamine (an amino acid that is anti-inflammatory and necessary for the growth and repair of your intestinal lining).
We tailor-make our powders, especially for you, so do get in touch at www.herbsonlineshop.com so we can guide you through the process.
We also recommend high-quality probiotics such as Saccharomyces Boulardii to help maintain digestive balance and restore and maintain healthy gut flora.
Finding the right support can be tricky and sometimes, it’s trial and error on what works for you. Making the commitment to improve your gut flora and long-term happiness is worth the effort and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Visit our website or give us a call at (02) 9555 5117 to see how we can support you on your gut health, and how to feel good, naturally, every single day.