How Your Gastrointestinal Health Affects Your Mental Health
Researches prove that the gastrointestinal system is closely associated with mental health. There are enough resources to prove depression and anxiety contribute to people experiencing irritable bowel syndrome or some kinds with functional bowel problems. You may have also experienced it. It is because the nervous system communicates with your brain through the hormones present in the stomach and intestine. Moreover, some also believe that a poor gastrointestinal system can contribute to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, pain, and anxiety.
So, it is important to improve your gut health to ensure healthy mental health. After all, the gut-brain connection is not a joke. People experiencing gastrointestinal upset with no obvious physical cause are a clear indication of poor brain health.
This is the reason why the gut is called the ‘second brain’. It can operate on its own resulting in communicating with your actual brain. Simply put, the gut-brain is connected in two ways, both physically and chemically.
Preventive Measures to Improve Your Gut and Mental Health:
- Fix Your Diet: If you want your gut to be healthy to ensure good mental health, make sure you understand which food can support a healthy gut and which may potentially cause issues. So, it is always recommended to take a healthy diet such as fiber-rich foods, foods with Omega-3 fatty acids, etc. These foods are proven to be very effective to promote a healthy digestive system.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help you improve many health issues including gastrointestinal health. Simply put, it is a win-to-win solution that promotes both physical and mental health.
- Eat More Probiotics & Prebiotics: Maintaining a healthy gut is possible by adding probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods to your diet. These foods have a positive impact on the harmony of beneficial bacteria in your gut flora and also help your gut to become more diverse. After all, there are several connections between probiotics and mental wellness.
- Eat Food Rich in Collagen: Collagen-rich foods such as salmon skin, bone broth, citrus fruits, broccoli, eggs, and nuts are proven to have a positive effect on gut health. Not only will it keep your stomach healthy, but it will also aid your brain.
Conclusion:
These are some important tips to keep in mind to make sure your gut and mental health stay healthy as suggested by Dr Karan Midha, one of the best gastrointestinal surgeon in Panchkula.
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