It’s exciting to think that with the world opening up…
so will our food choices.
Before you reach for that giant burrito at your favorite restaurant or maybe even a big bowl of pasta and garlic bread at your grandma’s, consider where your cravings are coming from.
It may just surprise you.
There is literally an entire gut microbiome that works with your brain to tell your body what it wants to eat – hello, CRAVINGS! The connection between the gut and the brain is complex!
That is why dieting is hard. It takes a concerted effort to change your gut microbiome to counteract your cravings and encourage healthy brain activity. The healthier the gut microbiome the healthier the cravings and the healthier food you choose, the healthier your gut microbiome becomes.
Are you wondering, how on earth do I get my gut and my brain to work together for my whole health?
Not to worry! We’ll show you how to optimize your mind/ body connection.
Read on to learn what Dr. Nicole Lewis and Dr. Mary Rondeau have to say:
3 WAYS TO NURTURE A HEALTHY GUT:
FIRST – EAT MORE FIBER! Adults should set a goal to eat 35-40g of fiber per day…everyday! Most people do not even come close to that number. A helpful tool to keep track of your fiber intake is with an app like MyFitnessPal, that keeps a food log for you.
SECOND – REDUCE YOUR STRESS. Greater than 80% of serotonin is produced in the gut. Serotonin is the hormone that helps with eating and digestion. It also helps to stabilize mood, feelings of well-being and happiness. When your serotonin levels are off, you might feel like you have a “nervous stomach.” This is your gut talking to your brain. Stress reduction plays a major role in the treatment of common digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
THIRD – AVOID FOOD SENSITIVITIES. When our body cannot properly digest and absorb the food we are putting in, it can have the same effects as eating poorly! We need enzymes to be able to break down the carbohydrates, fats and proteins that we put into our bodies. Some things that can contribute to poor digestion and absorption can be large meals, alcohol, and smoking. Conditions associated with insufficiency can be pancreatitis, gallstones, diabetes, Celiac disease, IBD (irritable bowel disease), alcoholism, and cystic fibrosis. Some conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can result in hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid.
Especially now, as we get back into the world, it’s never been more important to consider a healthy relationship between your gut and your brain. Wholeness Center offers food sensitivity testing that can be helpful to determine which foods may be adversely affecting your gut microbiome and consequently your brain functioning. We are here to help!
Please contact the Wholeness Center if you have questions about integrative medicine, and/ or mental health alternatives. If you live in the Northern Colorado/ Ft. Collins area and would like to learn more about the innovative programs the Wholeness Center has to offer, please call 970-221-1106 or email info@wholeness.com.
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