The Body's Second Brain: How Gut Health Affects Your Mood

The Body's Second Brain: How Gut Health Affects Your Mood

“aware” of our gut microbes, but these bacteria can influence our perception of the world and alter our behavior.

There is no question that your brain and gut are well connected – so it makes sense that keeping your digestive system in tip-top shape is vital to your sense of well-being.

How to Improve Your Digestive Health

The steps you take to keep yourself healthy are the same ones that promote digestive health, too. Here are some tips to get started:

Include plenty of fiber from colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Fibers help promote regularity (which could affect your mood!), and certain fibers also promote the growth of the “good” bacteria in your microbiome.

Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.

Make sure to eat a source of probiotics Fermented foods, such as yogurt, pickled vegetables, and tempeh, provide natural probiotics that support immune health by crowding out other bacteria that can potentially make you sick.

Make regular exercise a part of your routine.

Taking time to enjoy your meals helps, too. When you slow down you may eat less food, and you’ll probably be less stressed – which means you’ll be sending signals to “both” your brains. When you eat more slowly, it allows time for your gut to tell your brain that you’re full – and for your brain to tell you that you’re more relaxed, too.

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