Why A Healthy Gut = A Happy Mood + How To Keep Your Gut Healthy.

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This post was written by our Accredited Nutritionist Stephanie Malouf

 

A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of our health. It’s responsible for breaking down our food, converting and absorbing nutrients and eliminating toxins. But I’m sure that isn't news to you. 

We often talk about the importance of a healthy digestive system for a strong immune system but do you know about the importance of a healthy digestive system for a happy mood? Very important...

90% of serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter also known as the happy hormone, is produced in the gut. That’s right not the brain, the gut!

If you have a sluggish digestive system, this can directly affect the production of serotonin and in turn your mood. Serotonin deficiency is linked with depression, anxiety, constipation, low self-esteem, poor sleep, impaired memory, poor appetite and more.

Here are 5 things you can do to support a healthy gut for a happy mood.

  1. Eat FERMENTED FOODS, which are a source of good bacteria, such as an all natural yoghurt containing live cultures, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi and kefir.

  2. Eat a diet rich in PREBIOTICS which contain fibres and resistant starch that humans can't digest and instead feeds the good bacteria to keep them alive and healthy. These are found in a variety of plant based foods such as onion, garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, un-ripened banana, asparagus and leek.

  3. Drink BONE BROTH which is rich in gelatin and provides the building blocks for a strong and tightly sealed digestive tract. This is important to prevent inflammation,  not just in the digestive tract but the entire body. A strong gut lining also keeps the gut bacteria in a healthy balance.

  4. Avoid PROCESSED FOODS which are difficult to digest and make your digestive system sluggish, kills the good gut bacteria, drives inflammation in the digestive tract and destroys the intestinal wall. They also lack important nutrients our bodies and brains need in order to function properly. 

  5. Eat a WHOLEFOOD DIET rich in colourful fruits and veggies, moderate in healthy fats such and avocado and olive oil, proteins, particularly wild salmon, and high fibre complex carbohydrates such as bean and legumes. These all provide potent anti-inflammatory properties and nourish you to support your gut , brain and general health and well-being. 

Undivided Food