How Gut Health Affects Physical and Mental Health
We all know how eating certain foods puts us in a good mood while we’re eating—that’s why soul food is the best food! But did you know that what you put into your stomach affects the way your brain operates? And that the way you think has a direct effect on how well your stomach can process food?
If this all sounds new to you, stick with us, read further, and let’s get you some great information to get healthy in all areas!
The Brain-Gut Connection
Let’s do an experiment: imagine drinking a cup of Lemon tea right now. Is your mouth watering? Now, think about chewing a piece of Ginger. Can you feel your taste buds waking up? Can you sense how your body responds to just a thought?
Basically, your thoughts create physical reactions that don’t stop with the saliva your mouth is creating now, merely at the suggestion of certain foods. And it works both ways!
Have you ever had a stomach-ache because of stress? Or had a thought that felt like you were ‘feeling it in your gut’? This happens because the brain and the gastrointestinal system are linked. The brain influences the stomach and intestines, and the intestines send signals to the brain. This is why a distressed stomach can be caused by—or be the consequence of—mental discomfort such as anxiety or depression.
“If there's one thing to know about the human body; it's this: the human body has a ringmaster. This ringmaster controls your digestion, your immunity, your brain, your weight, your health and even your happiness. This ringmaster is the gut.”
~ Nancy Mure
Food’s Impact on The Brain and Body
Food affects many aspects of your system, including:
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
Skin disorders
Blood sugar fluctuations
Weight management
Emotional behaviour like anxiety and depression
Psychological or neurological problems
Everyday brain functions like focus
Brain issues like ADD
Stress responses
Neural development
Pain perception
How Food Affects Brain Chemistry
It’s all in the bacteria! Studies have shown that the gut microbiome influences how the mind develops, and vice versa. Even low-level stress can change the gut microbiome, leaving one more vulnerable to disease and affecting the central nervous system. While this may sound daunting, it’s empowering because we can also use beneficial bacteria to support mood and mental health.
At birth, every gut is sterile. Over time, however, it develops a diverse brew of bacterial species, determined by genetics and exposure to bacteria. The 100 trillion microbes in the GI tract are critical to health. Gut bacteria regulate digestion, metabolism, and immune responses. They even produce hundreds of neurochemicals the brain uses for basic functions such as learning, memory, and mood. For instance, gut bacteria manufacture about 95% of the body's serotonin, which influences mood and GI activity.
Supporting Gut Health with Probiotic Foods
Add these probiotic foods to your diet to promote beneficial bacteria:
Plain yoghurt
Kefir
Cottage cheese
Fresh sauerkraut
Kimchi
Kombucha
Apple cider vinegar
Miso
Turmeric
Remember that high heat destroys probiotics, so avoid cooking or preserving these foods at high temperatures.
Supporting Gut Health with Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotic foods don’t contain living organisms but have indigestible fibres that ferment in the gut. These fibres feed probiotics, which convert them into health-promoting substances. Add these to your shopping list:
Legumes
Oats
Artichokes
Leeks
Onions
Garlic
Chicory
Cabbage
Asparagus
Why We Recommend Turmeric
At Taka, we stand by Turmeric! As a natural inflammation-inhibitor, Turmeric combats oxidative stress in the brain, repairs nerve cells, and promotes the growth of new ones. This boosts levels of BDNF, relieving mood swings and alleviating symptoms such as fluctuating weight and memory loss.
Curcumin in Turmeric modulates neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that communicate information throughout the brain and body. Turmeric is also considered a prebiotic, regulating intestinal disorders and promoting overall health.
Explore Taka Teas
Our Taka teas and blends are lovingly loaded with curcumin-rich Turmeric and a wonderful array of 100% organic ingredients. They’re easy to make and a perfect pick-me-up for any dark mood.
Without premium fuel from food, we simply don’t function well. To support your microbial, mental, and physical health, become aware of your choices—just like you’re doing now by reading this article. 😊
Wishing you vibrant health,
The Taka Tea(m)!
