Listen to your gut!

The gut and brain are more connected than you might think. In fact, the gut is often referred to as your "second brain". Research has shown that the two are closely connected via the gut-brain axis, a two-way system where neural signals flow back and forth via the vagus nerve, affecting everything from how we feel emotionally to how we think.

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, this is the gut microbiome which you may have heard of, and many of these little guys play a huge role in your mood and mental health. For example, did you know that over 90% of your body’s serotonin (the "feel-good" hormone that stabilises mood and promotes happiness) is made in your gut?!  So when your gut’s out of whack and unable to produce enough serotonin it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even that brain fog that makes it hard to focus. I was pretty blown away when I learned this!

But it’s not just the gut influencing the brain. What you eat is important, but did you know that stress can mess with your digestive system too? When you're stressed, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode, releasing cortisol and shutting off or slowing down other body functions including digestion. When this happens it can cause issues like constipation, cramps, or bloating. These symptoms are not necessarily just down to what you’re eating.

The connection between the gut and brain shows the importance of looking after both. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, staying active, and getting enough sleep are all key factors that support both gut and mental health. Probiotics, fibre-rich foods, and drinking plenty of water are especially helpful for keeping the gut microbiome healthy, which, in turn, supports a healthy mind and a more balanced mood.

What is your gut trying to tell you? I suffered with severe constipation and low mood for years - I changed my diet and both disappeared..