"You are what you eat" is a very old adage. The field of medicine is starting to discover just how true this perennial wisdom is. The foods you eat have a huge effect on your gut health and, in turn, on the health of your entire body. Science has shown that there are links between digestion, mood, health, and the way you think, which has led some researchers and others to refer to the gut as the second brain.
Your "gut-brain" doesn't think like your big brain, but the two brains communicate and activities in the gut can significantly affect your emotions and your mood. The gut's emotional impact may therefore potentially affect your perspective, decisions, and motivation. The link between gut health, depression, and anxiety has been of particular interest in the scientific community.
Part of the reason for the dynamic between the two brains is that some microorganisms that enter the gut are suspected to be able to affect processes that directly impact brain function for better or worse. The better you eat, the better the dynamic. Use this checklist to help keep your gut healthy and reduce your risk for many serious health issues.
Eat More of These
| ✓ High Fiber Foods | ✓ Fermented Foods | ✓ Other Foods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Foods to Avoid
- Sugar
- Artificial Sweeteners, Colorings, Flavorings, or Preservatives
- Red Meat
- Highly Processed Foods
- Alcohol
- Other foods that you may be allergic or sensitive to. These vary from person to person. Use the Elimination Diet process or talk to your doctor to determine these foods.