Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates once declared, “All disease begins in the gut.” While this was thousands of years ago, research shows that he wasn’t exactly wrong. In fact, it’s now widely accepted that the microbiome in the gut (which contains trillions of good and bad bacteria that aid in digestion) and the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain communicate and impact one another. This is known as the gut-brain axis.
Below, we’ll explore this relationship in more detail, including how you can enhance your gut microbiome and how chiropractic care might actually help improve both sides of this equation!
The Gut-Brain Connection: What Should You Know?
Surprisingly, the gut is responsible for 95% of serotonin production. Serotonin is frequently grouped with the so-called “happy hormones.” While this hormone helps improve mood, there’s more to it than that!
Serotonin also plays a valuable role in our circadian rhythm, which is essential for overall health and wellness. Serotonin actually gets converted to melatonin, a hormone that is important for sleep.
Interestingly, the vagus nerve connects the gut and the brain, allowing them to communicate both ways. Yet, the vagus nerve also plays a vital role in the stress and relaxation response. In fact, this is why, sometimes, when experiencing anxiety, fear, or stress, we get a “gut feeling.” This is also why experts theorize that stress has such a negative impact on digestion; There’s an undeniable link!
Improving Your Gut Microbiome
Our bodies require adequate tools and resources to function well. This all starts in the gut and with what you eat. What we eat impacts the health of the gut (as does stress and mental well-being). In turn, this can have various repercussions, positive or negative.
If we feed our bodies “junk,” we will likely feel unwell, physically and mentally. So, how can we improve the microbiome and also our overall well-being? Here are a few tips.
1. Eat more whole foods.
The microbiome thrives off of veggies and fruits. This is because they contain fiber. Our bodies actually can’t digest fiber, but our gut bacteria can! In turn, this helps facilitate a good microbiome balance, maintaining the delicate yin and yang of good vs bad bacteria.
2. Don’t forget about probiotics and prebiotics!
Probiotics and prebiotics can help promote good gut bacteria, which makes them particularly beneficial after a course of antibiotics, food poisoning, or stomach flu.
3. Reduce your stress.
As explored above, stress can have a negative impact on your gut and microbiome. Actively finding ways to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, regular exercise, meditation, and more can ensure your digestion stays on track.
4. Attend regular chiropractic care visits.
Research shows that chiropractic care may positively impact the gut microbiome. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since now we know the gut and central nervous system are inherently linked in more ways than one.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic care, book your FREE discovery call with your local Finsbury Park chiropractor. BOOK NOW.