Hi there my friends!
Remember my blog about Gut Health? I find this topic fascinating because there is a lot that we still don’t know about the benefits of looking after our microbiome. If you don’t know what I mean by microbiome, I recommend reading that blog so you are fully connected to what I am about to share here.
Basically, our microbiome (The community of good and bad bacteria living in our gastro intestinal tract) is like the Amazon jungle: diverse but also vulnerable if we don’t care for it, as we should.
In order for human beings to have optimal health, we need to protect the diversity of the microbiome. These tiny critters are essential to our wellbeing. I think I can predict what you are thinking: she is talking about eating healthy to avoid overweight and digestive issues. Well, there is a little of that but there is so much more to it.
Numerous studies show us the connection between our gut and the neurological, and immunological system as well as the influence of the microbiome on gene expression and the most obvious, the role in the absorption of nutrients for proper body functioning.
I want to focus on the first three connections because I feel there isn’t enough information available (unless you really look for it) and I am sure you can learn something new today.
Photo by Regeneratemagazine.com
Connection of the gut with the neurological system
Different research studies and medical journals demonstrate the connection between our healthy bacteria and the brain. In fact, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are actually manufactured in the gut. Serotonin is used inside the brain and it affects our mood, social behaviour, appetite, sleep, memory and sexual function. Lack of serotonin leads to depression, anxiety, autism, schizophrenia among others. On the other hand, dopamine, being another messenger in the brain, is involved with many activities such as behaviour patterns, mood swings, learning, motivational factors (reward and reinforcement). When we lack dopamine diseases like Parkinson’s, schizophrenia and ADHD are more likely to happen.
For more information on this subject, click here.
Photo by Gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com
Connection of the Gut with the immunological system
Did you know that feeding your good bacteria is the key to fight diseases? And did you know that 80% of your immune system is located in your gut? I bet you didn’t, but it’s absolutely true. Everyday, there are more studies that show that all diseases originate in the digestive system and it all starts with inflammation in the gut. Inflammation happens every time we eat the wrong stuff (fried foods, processed foods, foods with additives and hormones, refined sugars). You can live many years with inflammation and don’t realize it and before you know it, disease is already living in your body. Our good bacteria decreases every time we eat the wrong foods and the only way we can support it (so they can fight the bad bacteria and we avoid diseases) is to feed it with real nutrients.
For more information on this topic click here.
Lastly, we have the connection between the gut and our genes. Amazingly, the microbiome communicates constantly with our genes and it has the power to transform them. Our metabolic responses are affected by this relationship in the sense that if we do the “right things” we will help to transform that gene expression into a positive one and therefore, we will be healthy and happy. On the contrary, if we continue living with bad habits, eating unhealthy, encouraging high stress and lack of physical activity, we will communicate this to our genes instead.
So the question is: what can we do to make it easier for our neurotransmitters to do their job properly? How can we avoid getting sick?
The answer my friends is very simple: eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole foods and clean proteins. Easy, right?
Photo by Wellandgood.com
Not only that, for those who are already showing signs of diseases, an elimination diet or fasting can help your body heal and reset. (I plan to write a blog about this soon) Something you can start practicing now is mindful eating: chewing enough, finding the space to nourish yourself with respect and love for your body and of course eating healthy food.
My opinion is that changes are easy to integrate when you are aware of the connections inside our body as well as those in the outside world. Everything affects our wellbeing: the food we eat, the lifestyle we choose, the relationships we cultivate, our connection with ourselves and also with our microbiome.
I trust this blog inspires you to find out more information and start implementing changes in your diet. If you need help, let me know and I will happily assist you.
As usual, don’t forget to share, this information is useful for everyone.
Bear hugs!
Living healthy and fully right now 