Gut-health plays a very important role when you are planning to be conscious and careful about your overall well-being. As gut is  directly related to immune system and digestion of our body, a good gut leads to good state of mind and better mental health.

The connection between gut and brain, which is also known as gut-brain axis, shows a very direct connection between our brain and the digestive system.
In this article, we are going to explore about the gut-brain connection and the importance of healthy gut. We will also provide you some practical tips that will help you in promoting your gut health for the betterment of your overall well-being.

1. Why Gut Health is Important? : Speaking in Science, our gut is nothing but the gastrointestinal tract, a place full of gut microbiota, which means it is a home to a lot of microorganisms found inside in our body which help us in fighting against the diseases (also known as good bacteria). These tiny microbes present inside our gut help us in digestion. They also help us in getting energy from the food we consume. Also, they improve the functioning of our immune system because of which we are able to fight with the bad bacteria that try to affect our body negatively. Hence, healthy gut is really necessary.

2. What is Gut-Brain Connection? : The functioning of gut and the brain are somehow connected to each other through various pathways and network of nerves. This connection between the gut and brain is known as gut-brain axis where the gut and brain communicate with each other. They also influence each other’s function.  The microbes present in our gut produce neurotransmitters which have visible effect on our vibe and brain functioning. In another words, if we have a healthy gut, we will also have a healthy brain functioning.

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3. How Gut Affects Mental Wellness? :  Many research suggest that our gut health is somewhat responsible for the balances and imbalances of our mental state. Studies show that if there is an imbalance in our gut health, it creates mental imbalance in the form of stress, anxiety and depression. Our gut health plays a very vital role in regulating our mood and in emotional stability.

4. How To Do Gut-Friendly Eating? : Gut friendly eating means making such food choices that help in the nourishment of your body. Given below are some tips to practice gut-friendly eating:

•Drink water : As basic as it is, it’s really difficult for many of us to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each and everyday. In order to keep digestion in a good state, we need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. So, aim to drink as much water as you can to support your gut health.

•Fermented Food : In order to fill your gut with the good microbes, try eating fermented food as a part of your daily diet. You can try eating fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha to practice gut-friendly eating.

•Limit Your Junk Food And Sugary Drinks Intake : Processed and junk food can disturb the balance of our gut which leads to indigestion. It also causes inflammation and bloating. Sugary drinks also don’t support our gut health. So, you should avoid junk food and sweet & sugary drinks to promote your gut health.

•Have Fiber-Rich Food : Fiber is a food component which helps in maintaining a good gut health. It helps in the development of good microbes in our gut. You should include fiber rich food in your diet. Some of the options are whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. The above mentioned eatables provide a good amount of fiber if you eat them regularly.

•Manage stress : As per the gut-brain axis, stress has a really bad impact on our gut health. If a person suffers continuously from stress, it is more likely that they will have problem in the development of healthy microbiota in their gut. In order to reduce stress, you can do some of the following activities : Yoga, meditation, physical activities like cycling, swimming, running or breathing exercises.

5. Probiotics As Supplements : If you want to take some external help to improve your gut, then you can have some supplements which are rich in probiotics. These supplements will help you in obtaining a better gut health. These supplements have the sufficient fibers necessary for the healthy microbiota to develop inside the gut. But you should never take the supplements on your own. Always consider a doctor, nutritionist or a healthcare professional before having any supplements.

Overall, it can be said that gut health is really essential to maintain a good state of mind and a better digestion. It is also necessary in order to boost our immune system. Once you have understood the gut-brain connection, you can practice the gut-friendly eating habits and support your gut health. In order to create a positive environment for the beneficial bacteria, we need to make mindful food choices, avoid the food that is harmful for our digestion and follow a healthier lifestyle. Try prioritizing your gut health and it will automatically improve your mental health, emotional well-being and your digestion. Good luck ! 

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