The Impact of Stress on Our Health
It’s no secret that stress can take a toll on our health. From causing headaches and stomach problems to increasing our risk for heart issues, stress can have a serious impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
But did you know that stress can also affect the health of our gut?
When we’re stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that can diminish the ‘good’ bacteria in our gut. This can lead to digestive problems, as well as weakening our immune system.
Luckily, there are steps we can take to support our gut-brain connection. Read on to learn more!
What is the Gut-Brain Connection?
The gut-brain connection refers to the way that our digestive system and our brain interact with each other. It turns out that the health of our gut can have a profound impact on our mental health.
The gut-brain connection is important because it helps to regulate mood, hunger, satiety, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination. All of these functions are important for overall health and well-being.
How Is Your Gut Health Impacting Your Life?
Of course if you are struggling with digestive distress, then you already know how ‘urgent’ this issue can be. But many people normalize other digestive issues like constipation, and don’t even realize the possible link between their backed up digestion and their backed up mood!
Before learning about the vast importance of gut-health, I struggled with loads of stress and issues with worry and nervousness. It took me several years before I finally realized that my gut health was the root of the problem.
After making a few improvements to my diet and consistently taking specific probiotics targeted to help with mood, I started to feel better than ever!
If you are struggling with mood issues, I encourage you to explore the gut-brain connection and see if there might be a link for you. The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve your gut health, and most of them are simple lifestyle changes that anyone can make.
Top Tips for Enhancing Your Gut-Health to Boost your Mood:
- Eat a balanced diet – nutrient dense foods, organic if and when possible!
- Consume plenty of probiotics- from food sources or find a specific MOOD based probiotic supplement
- CUT out all “zero sugar” types of diet drinks. Those wreak havoc in your gut.
- Eat plenty of fiber. Fruit is not your enemy. Fruit is your friend!
- Avoid processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Sleep! 7-9 hours of sleep can help your mood and your gut health.
- Move your body daily and regularly throughout your day.
Probiotics: More Than Just Digestive Support
If you’re like most people, you probably associate probiotics with gut health. And while it’s true that these beneficial bacteria can help to promote a healthy digestive system, they can also have a positive impact on your mood and stress levels.
Probiotic strains can modulate the release of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, which are involved in regulating stress and mood. However, not all probiotics are created equally and it’s important to choose a probiotic that has been specifically designed for mood support.
You Are In Charge Of Your Health!
You are the driver of the bus when it comes to your body and your health! You make the decisions that affect your mental and physical wellbeing, and you are the only one who can choose to create new habits to feel better.
From what you eat to how much you move your body, every decision you make impacts your health. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, eat less processed foods, drop the diet-drinks, get plenty of fresh air and sunlight on your skin!
We all know that stress can and will take its toll on our health. But now you know about the power of the gut-brain connection and some simple shifts to get off the struggle bus of stress and into your best life!
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