Support Your Gut-Brain Axis

Mar 1, 2023

A woman's stomach is highlighted in a brain scan demonstrating the impact of physical therapy.

Check out our previous post to learn about the gut-brain axis.

Now that you have information on what the gut-brain axis is, let’s learn how we can support it!

There are numerous things that you can do to support your gut-brain axis, but today we are going to highlight five!

Avoid Processed Foods
Consider a Probiotic
Eliminate Gluten
Eat Healthy Fats
Manage Stress

Now let’s dive in a little deeper as to why these five things are important!

Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods contain high levels of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, salt, and chemical additives. They contain little fiber, good sources of protein, and healthy fats. Processed foods can harm your gut microbiome by developing greater levels of destructive bacteria.

Consider a Probiotic

Probiotics work to restore the composition of the gut microbiome and introduce beneficial functions to gut microbial communities. This can result in the prevention of gut inflammation and other intestinal or systemic diseases. They also provide good bacteria to line your gut and aid in nutrient absorption and support your immune system.

Eliminate Gluten

Gluten can make long-term changes to your gut bacteria as well as reduce the number of important bacteria, which in turn, destroys your gut lining. Gluten can also trigger severe autoimmune responses as well as other unpleasant symptoms.

Eat Healthy Fats

Healthy Fats are essential for brain development. For example, olive oil includes high amounts of antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. Healthy fats also improve memory and cognitive function and work as an anti-inflammatory.

Manage Stress

Stress and depression can reshape the gut bacteria’s composition through stress hormones, inflammation, and autonomic alterations. Stress is associated with reduced diversity in the microbiome and increased intestinal permeability

Why is all of this important?

Microbes in the gut play a very significant role in human body function. They are responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut health, which can directly impact mental health.