Why the Gut Is the 2nd brain

Think about it. Your gut acts up when you’re experiencing strong emotions. Whether this is butterflies when falling for a romantic interest or feeling sick to your stomach after hearing bad news, the second brain in your gut has a direct connection with the brain in your head. This is otherwise known as the gutbrain connection.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) aka the second brain in your gut, is made up of two layers containing more than 100 million nerve cells. The ENS communicates with your brain in both the physical and chemical sense through the vagus nerve

The chemical messages being sent to your brain are directly affected by your gut’s microbiome This includes a wide variety of things such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and more This is why it’s so important to prioritise your gut health. It directly affects various aspects of your health.

How does our second brain affect our health?

Given the gut’s direct link with the brain, it directly impacts digestion, mood and both physical and mental health But what exactly does a healthy gut look like?

Healthy guts have a strong balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps your body get rid of toxins, fights off harmful viruses and bacteria, produces serotonin and allows you to obtain energy after eating food. Having strong gut health helps you lead a happy and healthy life.

Poor gut health is more than just having the odd tummy ache. It can wreak havoc on the rest of your body. Signs of a bacteria imbalance in your gut include:

Autoimmune conditions such as thyroid problems, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes (type 1)

Insomnia

High levels of stress

Upset stomach

Acne, eczema or other skin issues

Sugar cravings

Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety

Weight loss or weight gain that can’t be explained

Ongoing fatigue without a reasonable explanation

The good news is that poor gut health can be improved. But it’s important to identify the root cause of how what caused your poor gut health in the first place

How to improve gut health

Since so many things affect your gut health, it’s recommended to take on a holistic approach when trying to improve your gut microbiome.

One of the first things you want to do is analyse your diet. Poor gut health can often be traced back to unhealthy diets that are high in sugar and the wrong type of fat. If you’re someone who regularly eats processed and sugary food, it’s time to start eating healthier foods to help you heal. Try eating high-fibre and fermented foods as a starting point and ditch the processed stuff that’s making you feel crumby.

It’s also important to lower your stress levels through healthy practices such as meditating, exercising or getting out and about in nature. Prioritise getting enough sleep, eat slowly and always ensure that you stay hydrated. Try speaking with a holistic health expert or your doctor for more recommendations to improve your overall gut health.

Why the gut is the 2nd brain

Poor gut health affects both your physical and mental health. Take back control of your health and try improving your gut today by changing your diet, prioritising sleep, addressing high-stress levels and more.

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MIND THROUGH THE SIMPLE ACT OF gratitude

You’ve heard it time and time again - “be thankful for what you have”. The unfortunate reality is that many people don’t start practising gratitude until it’s too late. Living in a society that’s programmed us to want more, more, more, it’s all too easy to think that the grass is far greener on the other side.

But there’s a reason why gratitude is so highly recommended when it comes to improving your overall sense of mental and physical well-being. It can really make a difference in how you feel about your life

The proof is in the pudding - being thankful can make you happier Regularly practising gratitude fuels positive emotions and allows you to relish cherished experiences. Taking the time to think about what you’re grateful for lets you take a step back and subjectively analyse your life It may help you realise the things and people you take for granted or allow you to notice just how special some of your routines and experiences really are.

What does the act of gratitude entail?

The act of gratitude is the state of being grateful It’s a way to express thanks or appreciation for something. This involves recognising the positive aspects of your life and how they impact you This could be something small like cherishing a warm cup of tea on a rainy day or something on a larger scale such as the love you have for your family.

If you’re someone who regularly finds themselves with a bit of a pessimistic mindset, it could do you a world of good to practice gratitude This could include things such as:

● Noticing the small things in life such as a beautiful flower, pretty sunset, etc.

● Journaling

● Telling someone you’re grateful they’re in your life

● Doing something positive for someone as a way to express your gratitude

Practising gratitude doesn’t have to be scary. Why not try starting small and writing down three things you’re grateful for every night before you go to bed in a journal? The more you express gratitude, the more aware you’ll be of life’s many gifts.