The gut-brain connection

The gut and brain connection, or gut-brain axis, is bi-directional.

The brain and the gut talk to each other constantly, through nerves and chemical signals.

Have you ever felt “butterflies in your stomach,” a “gut instinct,” or the full feeling after a meal? Each of these messages is communication between the gut and brain.

Messages from the brain help adapt to different life situations, and tune immune activity, muscle contractions, and fluid secretion in the gut.

Neurotransmitters are produced in the gut.

Over 95% of serotonin, the “happiness hormone” and 50% of dopamine, the “reward hormone” is made in the gut and sent to the brain via the vagus nerve.

When our gut or mental health is unbalanced this can significantly imbalance the other.

Anxiety, depression, and stress can alter our gut physiology, leading to symptoms of Gl disorders like bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Nutrients to support the gut-brain axis:

Probiotics in sauerkraut, natural yoghurt, sourdough, tempeh, kombucha, miso, kimchi, kefir.

Prebiotics in garlic, apples, onions, oats, chickpeas, asparagus, unripe bananas.

Fibre in whole-grains, unpeeled fruits and vegetables; nuts and seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish, hemp seeds, oysters, walnuts.

Antioxidants in berries, dark leafy greens, red cabbage, green tea; aim for colourful meals.