THE GUT/BRAIN AXIS AND OUR MENTAL HEALTH – Wendy Blanchard, M.S., CHHC, CPS
DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR BRAIN, AND OUR “GUT BRAIN” (lining of the gut) COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER!
MICROBIOME ARE CHEMICAL MESSENGERS in the gut that go between the brain in our head, and our gut brain to communicate!
Seventy percent of our immune system is housed in our gut. Whatever we choose to eat either promotes wellness, or inflammation on a cellular level. If we have an imbalance of microbiome with more harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi, we promote inflammation, again, on a cellular level. Our gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. If inflamed, it suppresses the production of dopamine and serotonin, which are primarily produced in the gut! Here is where we choose the state of our mental health! If our neurotransmitters are being suppressed, specifically those which profoundly contribute to our “happy and calming hormones,” we are living with compromised, and poor mental health.
Sugar (proven to cause anxiety and an increased risk for depression with 0% nutritional value,) gluten (proven to cause severe gut inflammation/digestive issues and poor nutritional absorption), dairy, (cow’s milk) processed foods, medications, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), chronic ongoing stress, ongoing, toxic and unhealthy relationships, ongoing toxic and unhealthy/worrisome thoughts, blood sugar imbalance, chronic inflammation, poor sleep, dysbyosis (imbalance of microbiome) all contribute to our mental health. Foods along with stress can be the ultimate cause of intestinal permeability, directly correlated to our brain health, and overall wellness.
Eating whole foods, drinking enough water, eating polyphenol rich foods (antioxidants from plant foods) such as dark chocolate, green/black tea, (green tea has the calming hormone Theanine), flaxseed, nuts, berries, veggies, pomegranate or apple juice, eaten every few hours enhances overall health and reduces blood sugar spike after meals. Polyphenol foods are “LIFESTYLE ESSENTIALS” and are foods that promote wellness on a cellular level! We must also add in a healthy amount of protein, healthy fats, and greens.
In addition, we need to add in daily exercise, a spiritual practice that resonates with us, stress management, loving, healthy relationships, hydration, probiotics which increases the growth of good gut flora which promotes diverse mircrobiome for good mental health. Poor microbiome causes depression. When we build our gut integrity, a good gut lining, we prime our immune system. It rebalances and promotes wellness on a cellular level, and it creates “psychological vigor!”
UNHEALTHY GUT/IMMUNE SYSTEM, UNHEALTHY BRAIN. UNHEALTHY BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT.
We choose wellness, and joy, and productivity, and thrive in a body, mind and spirit when we choose healthy practices, and commit to these practices as a lifestyle. This will look different for everyone, and may change over ones lifetimes.
It is up to each one of us to implement a daily self care practice that enhances our lives as an individual in order to thrive in wellness.
For more information and how I may be able to guide and support you, please contact me at wendyblanchard044@gmail.com.
Wising you wellness and blessings always,
Wendy
