Recent research indicates that the communication between your brain and your gut plays a crucial role in your overall health. Scientists suggest this connection may be the reason you feel “butterflies” when you’re nervous or “sick to your stomach” when you’re dreading something. It also has a significant impact on your overall health.
What Is the Brain-gut Connection?
The vagus nerve connects your brain and your gut (known as the gut-brain axis) and sends signals in both directions. The brain and the gut both contain neurons that tell your body how to behave. They also contain problems. The connection also works in reverse. The intestine can send troubled signals to the brain that cause anxiety, stress or depression. An unhealthy gut is also linked to dementia and lowered cognitive functions.
Tips for Improving Gut Health
Improving your gut health can contribute to brain health, enhance cognitive function and help ward off disease. You can improve gut health with the following foods:
- Diverse foods
- Lots of fruits, vegetables and legumes
- High-fiber foods
- Fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, kimchi and kefir)
- Prebiotic foods
- Whole grains
- Plant-based foods
- Foods with polyphenols (e.g., red wine, grape skins, onions and blueberries)
- Probiotics
Conclusion
Your gut health significantly impacts the health of your brain and body. By eating foods that promote gut health, you may experience improved focus, better mental health and reduced risk of disease.