WHAT ABOUT OUR 2nd BRAIN? #Guthealth #healthjourney

Have you ever “gone with your gut” to make a decision or felt “butterflies in your stomach”? These are all signals from an unexpected source: your second brain, known as your gut. Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, with our new knowledge and revolutionizing understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health, and even our brain.

Those who know me or follow me, on one of my channels might have gotten some information on the importance of our guthealth and how we can work WITH our bodies to interpret the signals and complement our internal functions with the right supplement or food intake.

Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall wellness and plays a significant role in our mental health. The gut-brain connection is a fascinating and complex system that links our emotions and thoughts to our digestive system. This means that you are what you eat!! Eating something for 1 day is not enough to have it transform you, in food there needs to be a balanced consistency or a recurrence of intake.

In this article, I will explore the importance of gut health in promoting overall well-being and discuss strategies for improving and maintaining a healthy gut.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

The gut-brain connection refers to the bi-directional communication between our brain and the gastrointestinal system. It is well-established that emotions and stress can influence our digestive system. When experiencing a “gut-wrenching” or feeling “butterflies” in your stomach, these expressions highlight the sensitivity of our gastrointestinal tract to our emotional state.

The brain can directly impact the functioning of our stomach and intestines. The mere thought of eating can trigger the release of stomach juices even before food reaches our stomach. On the other hand, a distressed intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. This close connection explains why a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be both the cause and the product of anxiety, stress, or depression.

My advice to everyone, would be to stay mindfull of our thoughts and triggers, these release stress or negative emotions. The body is more aligned than we seem to understand.

The Impact of Gut Health on Anxiety and Digestion Problems

Research has shown that the gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in anxiety and digestion problems. When our gut and brain interact closely, it becomes easier to understand why certain situations or stressors can cause stomach discomfort or even digestive issues. It can significantly influence the physiology of our gut and the perception of pain. Stress can amplify existing pain, making it feel more intense.

Studies have found that psychologically based approaches, such as therapy to reduce stress or treat anxiety and depression, can improve digestive symptoms more than conventional medical treatment does on its own.

Proven studies;

• ”The Gut-Brain Axis: The Missing Link in Depression” (Kelly, J. R., et al., 2016)
• “Gut Microbiota and Brain Function: An Evolving Field in Neuroscience” (Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G., 2012)
• “The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Bowel to Behavior” (Mayer, E. A., et al., 2014)

How we deal with our 2 brains, plays a crucial role, in our overall health (emotionally & physically). This suggests that addressing stress and emotional factors is essential in healing a distressed gut.

The food we consume not only provides essential nutrients but also affects our gut microbiota, which plays a significant role in our digestive and immune systems. More than ever we need to switch to a prevention modus. We have seen the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on ourselves and our loved ones. Your immune system needs to be built and maintained.

The Power of Real Foods

Eating real foods that we enjoy and that nourish our bodies is the foundation of a healthy diet. Rather than focusing on specific foods, it is essential to pay attention to how and when we eat them. The key to eating for wellness is understanding our own health needs and feeding our bodies in a way that optimizes our well-being. Supplements would never replace reall food, however it is very beneficial as a complementary resource.

Here are 7 tips & tricks to optimize gut health and promote your overall well-being;

1. Prioritize Fruits and Vegetables

Start by incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Aim for 6 variants, or even more, per day. These can be consumed raw, dried, or cooked. Try to eat seasonally and locally to maximize freshness and lower costs. I start my morning always with fruits since these are the natural energizing sugars, one needs to get the body going in the morning. Be aware of morning smoothies. The best way to consume fruit is in their original state…

2. Include Healthy Fats

Ensure you consume some healthy fats each day, such as avocados, walnuts, almonds, olives, chia seeds, and olive oil or coconut oil. Limit your fat intake to max. 4 servings daily, based on hunger levels. A palmful of walnuts or cashews can go a long way in curbing afternoon hunger. You may consume them as a snack. Not all fats are bad for our bodies, our bodies crave good fats.

3. Choose Quality Protein Sources

Find a good source of protein that suits your preferences, such as lentils, beans, seeds, fish, or meat. Base your protein source on what you enjoy and what keeps you satisfied. Strive for a balance between taste and satiety.

4. Practice Mindful Eating

Engage in mindful eating by paying attention to your hunger and eating for nourishment rather than emotion. Listen to your body’s physical hunger signals…

5. Physical Activity for Well-being

Use physical activity not just for weight loss but as a way to feel good. If you feel tired or shaky but have eaten within the last three hours, try taking a short walk outside or climbing stairs to boost your energy levels. Movement will result in more oxygen in your cells.

6. Consider Supplements

Supplements can be beneficial, but they should not replace a nutrient-rich diet. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of adding vitamins, if you are sensible or unaware of your needs. It took me a while to find the best supplement combo that has an affordable price tag, as well as a high-quality source & with good taste - that WORKS, as it states.

The lords were with me on this one, and I found the magical Fitline products: The Optimize set (the Powercocktail + Resorate). With this set, I have everything I need and much more. My joy & change were so great that I decided to join the Fitline family & become an ambassador. Click here to visit my shop & profit from my price reduction. Invest in your futur-self, and become a happier version of yourself. ^^^ #HEALTH=WEALTH

7. Consult a Dietitian

If you have specific dietary concerns or need personalized guidance, consult a dietitian. They can provide expert advice tailored to your unique needs and help you navigate your health journey.

Remember, developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with food is a lifelong pursuit. It’s not about strict rules or deprivation but about finding a balance that works for you. As you embark on your wellness journey, prioritize your gut health, indulge in nourishing foods, and enjoy the benefits of improved wellbeing. Feel free to share what works for you on your health journey. Always interested in sharing experiences throughout this journey.

Conclusion

The connection between gut health and overall well-being is undeniable. The gut-brain connection influences our emotions, thoughts, and digestive system. Prioritizing a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and real foods, and additional supplements, will enhance your gut health, improve digestion, and contribute to overall well-being.

Remember, wellness is a lifelong pursuit, and every step toward a healthier gut is a step toward improved well-being & getting closer to a happier you!

Being present and mindful while we eat is another effective tool that can combat cravings or overeating. “Try to notice the way your food smells, tastes, and feels as you eat it. Okay okay, I am a food lover & food does excite me! :D