and Health
The gut-brain connection is an exciting field of scientific research discovering how your diet can affect your mental health and overall health. It is becoming increasingly clear that what you eat not only affects physical health and has implications for how you look and feel, but it also can affect psychological wellbeing.
The Microbiome
The microbiome is the name given to the trillions of bacteria that live in the human body, mostly in the large intestine. These bacteria (or ‘microbiota’) play an important role in the gut-brain connection. They help to break down and metabolise the food you eat, influence your immunity and are even thought to play a role in regulating mood and concentration.
Diet
The types of food you eat have a direct effect on the microbiome, and therefore on your overall health. Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and probiotics can help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and can result in improved physical and psychological health.
In particular, processed or sugary foods can contribute to an unhealthy microbiome. Eating a diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to an imbalance of bacterial flora in the gut, which can then increase the risk of inflammation and even affect mental health.
Mental Health
Studies have suggested a link between digestive health and mental health in humans. One theory is that substances produced by gut bacteria could potentially affect the brain, contributing to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
On the flip side, improving the quality of your diet, including increasing your intake of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, can have a positive effect on the microbiome and consequently, mental health. So, if you’re looking to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing, improving your diet should be at the top of your list.
Conclusion
The gut-brain connection is an exciting area of science that is rapidly evolving and provides insights into how our diet affects both physical and psychological health. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and probiotics can help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which may lead to improved overall health and wellbeing.
