While the HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis is keystone to our stress response, the GBA (gut brain axis) impacts our nervous and immune system function as well as our mental health.
An unbalanced GBA can play an important role in anxiety, depression, autism, age-related insulin resistance, and obesity, to name just a few health issues.
Our microbiome is perhaps the key regulator of our health. Our gut flora interact with our immune system, hormones, genes, brain chemistry, and our entire biology.
The human gut microbiome is impacted by what we eat, our stress level, and antibiotics.
An out of balance gut microbiome leads to increased permeability, letting what is in our gut, including bacteria, to leak out. A leaky gut can result in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, ineffective immune and respiratory systems, depression, anxiety and autism. Leaky guts also provide a fertile environment for yeast overgrowth, further contributing to increased inflammation and long term physical and mental health issues.
Highly processed oils, on their own and in highly refined foods and a diet high in starch, sugar and additives, all contribute to destroying the gut microbiome.
Intestinal inflammation stresses our microbiome and organs and affects our hormone levels. Inflammation underlies almost all chronic diseases.
Here are some easy ways to improve gut health.
• Eliminate or greatly reduce sugars, artificial sweeteners, processed and starchy foods and gluten
• Eat foods naturally rich in probiotics like miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut. If these foods do not appeal to you, take a daily probiotic
• Eat high fiber foods and those rich in prebiotics like avocado, leafy green vegetables, onions and garlic. If you have severe bacterial overgrowth, add these foods slowly and cook vegetables lightly to make them easier to digest. Steaming, sautéing and stir-frying vegetables versus eating them raw is also helpful.
NOTE: This post is in no way intended as medical advice. Consult your medical professional for physical and/or mental health issues. This post is for informational purposes only.
Photo courtesy of nia.nih.gov
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