It’s all about our gut feeling!
That text begins by explaining the process of digestion from the mouth to the stomach and then to the small and large intestine. During digestion enzymes breakdown food into usable forms.
- Sugar into glucose.
- proteins into amino acids.
- fats into lipids.
These are absorbed into the blood and transported to the liver for further processing.
Gut – brain axis
A two way communication network between your gastro intestinal tract and your brain.
It’s a bi-directional link involving: Vagus nerve, enteric nervous system, microbiome, hormones and immune system pathways.
Gut microbiome and mental health.
- Good bacteria produce-neurotransmitters like serotonin.
- Short – chain fatty acids ( SCFAs)that reduce inflammation.
- Imbalance can lead to-depression, anxiety, brain fog.
Nutrition for gut brain health.
- Consume fibre rich foods mainly plan based items.
- Probiotic and fermented foods like curds, yogurt ,buttermilk, kefir, kimchi etc.
- Omega 3 and Omega 9 rich foods which includes flax seeds and avocado combination, together maintain good and bad get bacteria.
- Ghee and coconut oil.
- Herbs and spices.
- Bone broth.
- L-glutamine rich animal based foods-beef ,chicken ,fish (tuna ,salmon, cod liver) eggs,diary products.
- Plan based moderate level L- glutamine-cabbage (in raw form or mild steamed), beetroots ,spinach ,beans ,nuts, whole grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice), Soya products (tofu and tempeh).
- Manage stress by regular exercises,mindfulness, yoga & breathing.
- Good sleep.
