Inika Superfoods - March 29th, 2023

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mood

“Good food warms the heart and feeds the soul.”― Adrienne Posey

We've all heard the saying "you are what you eat", and this saying is not far from reality. Nutrition is the foundation of health, it provides our body with all the nutrients it needs and strengthens our immune system, but it also affects our mental health and mood, which is what we will be discussing in this journal entry.

With all the information we have now available thanks to scientific advancements, there is a lot of controversy and different opinions regarding what we should and should not eat. When it comes to diet however, there is no “one size fits all”, as every person has different needs. A big part of the population is blindsided by the food industry supplying us with large amounts of sugar, additives, artificial flavours and processed foods, that provide the body with less nutrients.

The gut-brain connection is a really complex relationship between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, and research shows that the health of your gut has a profound effect on mental health. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the gut-brain axis, producing neurotransmitters, producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for regulating our mood, appetite and sleep.

Disturbing our gut microbiota can therefore lead to a variety of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Research has shown that people suffering from depression have different composition of gut bacteria in comparison to healthy individuals. Let's have a look at a few steps that you can implement to keep your gut healthy and happy.

Mindful eating

When you eat mindfully, you are paying attention to the sensory experience that comes from eating, this includes focusing on the taste, texture and aroma of the food. It also involves being in the present moment and putting focus on the signals your body gives you regarding hunger and fullness.

Mindful eating can help you tune into your body’s needs and therefore prevent overeating, which is very important to maintaining your gut health.

Probiotic foods

Incorporating more probiotic-rich foods into your diet can help you maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Some options that you can add to your diet are kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir and yoghurt.

Our superfood bars are high in fiber, making them a great snack option to keep your gut healthy and happy.

Reduce stress

Chronic stress can lead to inflammation and digestive issues, which is a significant factor in gut health. Make sure part of your daily routine includes stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga.

Water intake

Keep your body always hydrated! This will help you flush out toxins, prevent constipation and keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Fiber rich diet

Increasing your fiber intake will help promote bowel regularity, while fiber also feeds the good bacteria in your gut. You can do this by adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. You can also have a look at our fiber-rich range of superfood bars for healthy snacking.

Processed foods

Try avoiding processed foods as much as you can. Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and artificial ingredients that can contribute to inflammation and digestive issues. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods whenever possible.

Now that you understand better the importance of a healthy gut microbiota for your mental health, we hope you incorporate these simple tips in your lifestyle to help improve both your health and mood.

Love,
Inika Superfoods