How Your Gut Health is Affecting Your Mental Health
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Do you doubt the power of the gut?
Having often been overlooked, the gut is quickly becoming recognised as an organ of equal importance to the brain and the heart.
Just as we once believed that the earth was flat, we were also unaware - up until recently - of the impact that our gut has on our overall health.
A healthy (or unhealthy) gut contributes to the operation of a huge variety of bodily functions, from heart and brain health to sleep, digestion and mood.
With questions around gut health gaining traction in the wider population, more and more research is being done into the connection between the gut and the rest of the body.
What makes your gut special
There are trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome (the bacteria living in your intestines). This microbiome is entirely unique to you, just like a strand of hair or a fingerprint!
The microbiome, when strategically balanced between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, has many beneficial properties.
While it can protect against pathogens and strengthen the immune system, research is showing that a gut microbiome tipped in favour of ‘bad’ bacteria can also play a detrimental part in anxiety and depression.
The gut-brain connection
The vagus ne...
Source: PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Erin Falconer Tags: featured health and fitness self improvement diet gut health mental health microbiome Source Type: blogs
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