Here are five reasons why taking care of your gut is important:
1. The gut’s nervous system is often called the ‘second brain’.
2. It can work independently of the brain but uses the neurotransmitter serotonin to move food.
3. Serotonin is the feel-good hormone but the gut uses it for a different reason - to protect the body against bad bacteria. Did you know that 95% of the body’s serotonin stock is in the gut?
4. The vagus nerve which starts out in the brain and travels through the body links your gut to your mind or vice versa.
5. The gut sends signals to the brain daily but when there is something wrong with your gut, the warning messages can overwhelm the brain and turn into anxiety or depression. Although chronic stress can affect your gut as well.
How to help it stay healthy:
There are a number of ways to help your gut stay healthy:
1. Chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.
2. Get your colon moving by exercising daily.
3. Eat a fibre-rich diet.
4. Drink probiotics to improve the amount of good bacteria you have.
Remember, your body is a temple!
