The Gut-Brain Connection

Have you ever had that sudden, sinking feeling in your stomach after opening that credit card bill, post-holiday? Or the fluttery feeling when you’re feeling stressed? Have you ever wondered how a certain feeling or thought can lead to strange sensations in the stomach? Well, your brain is connected with your gut. Right, you must be wondering how? Let’s read more to know more.

Gut Determines Your Mood

Research has shown that even having the slightest thought of food or eating can release digestive juices long before you actually sit down to eat. Moreover, it has also been proven that the gut can control your emotions and moods too. For instance, eating sweets can make you feel better and a distressed gut can make you angry, anxious, or stressed. This two-way communication explains why you stop eating when you're full.

Interlink Between Your Gut & Mind

Anxiety and stress could ruin your appetite too. Experts discussed that stress activates responses that prevent gastrointestinal secretion and reduces blood flow to the gut. A hundred trillion bacteria that live within your gut are intimately involved in your brain at many levels. They manufacture neurochemicals, like dopamine and serotonin and vitamins that are important to keep your brain healthy. They also maintain the integrity of the lining of your gut. Studies show that people with gastrointestinal illness, who tried psychological-based approaches were found to get greater relief from their symptoms than those individuals who received standard treatment alone. When symptoms arise from stressful circumstances, psychological treatments can be beneficial.

You may also read: Strengthen Your Core to Manage Your Emotions and Gut-Brain Connection Effectively

Tips For Better Gut Health

Managing your gut health will help harmonize your mind with your body, making you feel happy and healthy. Here are few tips you can undertake to promote better gut health:

• Take a quality probiotic.
• Avoid overuse of antibiotics.
• Incorporate fermented foods into your meal such as curd, paneer, dhokla, etc.
• Eat less refined sugar.
• Lower your stress level.
• Add prebiotics to your diet such as garlic, onion, oats, banana, etc.
  

Takeaway

Behavioral therapy and stress-reduction techniques do not directly reduce pain or improve symptoms in the same way as drugs, however, they can deliver similar results by reducing anxiety, encouraging healthy behavior, or just helping individuals cope with discomfort. Tackle your next “gut-wrenching” episode or gastrointestinal ailment by consulting our expert dietitian for a personalized meal plan for better digestive health. Consult with verified doctors in case you're feeling upset stomach or sick with The Wellness Corner.