THE GUT: OUR SECOND BRAIN
What makes gut health absolutely essential to our body’s operation, and how can we guarantee it? Let’s get into it! The importance of our gut health is undeniable: The gut’s nervous system has more nerves that our cerebral nervous system and the two are communicating constantly(that how you know your full after a meal). 90% of the communication between our gut and brain starts in the gut! Because of this, gut health, or lack thereof, has been noted as a key factor in the quality of our mental health. 95% of the serotonin produced by our body is done in the gut. In other words, “happy gut, happy heart(figuratively and literally)”. A healthy GI system leads to better immune defenses, and a lower risk for several diseases. How can we keep our guts healthy & happy? Generally, healthy eating is great, but if we want to into the nitty gritty, good bacteria is essential, and feeding that good bacteria is equally as important. Check out the lists below for some specific food superheroes in both categories.
Foods that Introduce Good Bacteria A.K.A. “Probiotics”
- Greek Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- …anything fermented!
Foods that Feed Good Bacteria A.K.A. “Prebiotics”
- Walnuts
- Fruits & Berries
- Wheat
- Legumes
- Artichoke
- Garlic
Healthy Eating with Edibolic
Superfoods? You can believe the hype. Superfoods are foods that are high in nutrients and low in overall calories, more bang for your buck! So, what’s our tip? Educate yourself on the superfoods that are accessible around you, and incorporate them in your diet. Being more mindful and regular with these food celebrities can lead to better immune performance, and can even slow down the advancement of certain diseases!
Eating Well, Karla Welsh (October 2022). How Poor Gut Health Can Increase Anxiety and Depression Risk & What to Eat to Help. <https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8001367/poor-gut-health-increases-anxiety-depression-risk-what-to-eat/>
Eating Well, Julie Floyd-Jones (February 2023). 12 Foods to Improve Your Gut Health Overnight <https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8021156/foods-to-improve-gut-health-overnight/>
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY, Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center (June 2021). What are Polyphenols? Another Great Reason to Eat Fruits and Veggies <https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/krnc/monthly-blog/what-are-polyphenols-another-great-reason-to-eat-fruits-and-veggies/>
Cleveland Clinic, healthessentials (November, 2021). What is a superfood, anyway? <https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-superfood/>