Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps REGULATE SLEEP, APPETITE, MOOD AND INHIBITS PAIN.
85% of your serotonin is produced IN YOUR GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, which is lined with over 100 million nerve cells or neurons. It makes sense then that your gut is also the SEAT OF ALL FEELING.
We often use sayings – “ I feel like I have been punched in the stomach” or “ I have butterflies in my stomach” or “when I get stressed, my tummy bloats or I get the runs”.
YOUR GUT IS KNOWN AS THE SECOND BRAIN.
Serotonin is highly influenced by the billions of “good” bacteria that makes up your intestinal microbiome. These BACTERIA play an essential role in your overall health.
- They protect the lining of your oesophagus, stomach and intestinal wall.
- They provide a strong barrier against toxins, bacteria and processed junk we eat.
- They also limit inflammation.
- Improve how you absorb nutrients from your food.
- They activate neural pathways that travel directly between the gut and the brain.
Studies have shown that people who eat a diet high in FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUIT, leafy green vegetables (raw and cooked), OLIVE OIL, UNPROCESSED GRAINS and MODEST AMOUNTS OF PROTEIN plus more sunshine and exercise, have a 25 – 35% lower rate of depression than those eating junk food, processed and refined foods and lots of preservative, flavourants and colourants.
Managing stress by stabilising your blood sugar levels is extremely important for your gut microbiome and your brain.
This may sound implausible to you, but the notion that gut bacteria not only influences what and how you digest and absorb food, but also the degree of inflammation throughout your body, your mood, energy and how well you sleep is now becoming mainstream thinking in progressive doctors and practitioners.
TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR HEALTH:
Taryn Coghlan (+27) 82 336 2190
