3 Questions to ask yourself about the connection between your mind and gut
Have you ever experienced a "gut feeling"? Perhaps certain situations have made you "feel nauseous," or you've felt "butterflies" in your stomach? These aren’t coincidences; they’re a testament to the fascinating interplay between your mind and gut.
Your brain and central nervous system have a crucial role in regulating your body, and your gut has its own "brain" called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is the largest collection of nerve cells outside of your brain, and it's intricately connected to your brain through your gut-brain axis.
This axis is a two-way connection that bridges your thinking and emotional brain with your intestine and digestive system..
Why does the gut brain connection matter?
Mental Health and Gut Health: Research is mounting to suggest that enhancing the health of your gut microbiome can alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Stress and Digestion: When you're feeling anxious or stressed, it can impair your body's ability to effectively digest food and absorb nutrients. Anxiety and depression are closely linked to conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Hormones and Mood: The gut is responsible for releasing hormones and neurotransmitters, including serotonin (a chemical that helps to regulate your mood and cause you to feel happy and content), which significantly affect brain function and mood. Alterations in your microbiome can influence the production of these chemical messengers.
This is why taking a holistic view of your health and relationship with food is essential.
Some questions to ponder and explore with your coach, GP, or complementary therapist:
Stress and Digestive Woes: Could your stomach or intestinal problems—such as heartburn, IBS, or loose stools—be connected to stress?
Self-Care for your Nervous System: What self-care practices can you incorporate to help regulate and calm your nervous system?
Diet and Mind: Could your dietary choices be influencing your state of mind? Are you consuming a lot of processed, high-sugar foods regularly? How can you improve your diet to support your gut and mental health?
If you're ready to embrace a holistic approach to your health and enhance your relationship with food, I invite you to join The Non-Diet Method. It's a transformative program designed to empower women on a journey towards nourishing your mind and body.
research notes:
The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems
The prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
