In recent years it has become increasingly clear that the role that our gut plays in our body is extremely important. In fact, this is why we continuously refer to this organ as our “second brain”. There is no doubt that there is a deep connection between the brain and the gut, and that its impact on an individual's overall health should never be ignored.

The gut is responsible for much more than digesting the food we eat. In fact, it contains millions of cells and neuronal fibers that make up a nervous system that operates in complete autonomy, and that is able to control body reactions to both external and internal factors such as: intestinal contractions or digestive enzymes release. 

In practical terms, the gut and the brain influence each other positively or negatively, affecting the state of our physical and emotional well-being. 
In fact the quality of our life, our eating habits and our physical and emotional conditions can directly influence the state of our gut, and thus, the one of our entire body.

Factors such as: a poor diet rich of processed foods, an imbalance in the intestinal flora due to the incongruous use of antibiotics and other drugs, are all factors that can affect the health of our gut. Our intestinal flora and the overall integrity of the intestinal barrier, will also be highly affected by both external and internal factors, compromising our general well-being on the long run.

Emotions such as: anxiety, stress, love, fear are all linked to the gastrointestinal system and its proper functioning. Therefore, having and maintaining a healthy intestine means taking care of our mind, body and soul at 360° level degree.

For this reason, if we feel tension or happiness in the mind, the gut immediately communicates it through some reactions that are easy to recognise. Strong emotions such as: fear and stress can in turn have an extremely powerful impact on our gut health, developing symptoms like: constipation, dysentery, colitis, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

When we get excited, fall in love or expect something important, we experience the famous "butterflies flying and tickling in the stomach” feeling. Probably each one of us can easily resemble to this sensation, and realise that these “cramps” involve strong emotions going on in our mind and heart. These in turn, automatically communicate with our gut that is directly linked to our brain and make us feel these emotions.

A healthy gut therefore, can make us be and feel happier as positive emotions are felt at our gut level. The explanation behind this theory is scientific: our intestinal cells produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can make you feel good and euphoric. Our bodies release serotonin based on what we experience through our five senses (for example, when we kiss someone we love or when we eat our favorite food we develop positive emotions).

Alternatively, individuals who suffer from constipation, chronic bloating and pain, IBS are all inevitably more prone to developing mood swings, irritability, high levels of stress and anxiety. This is because the gut, being chronically inflamed, will directly communicate with the brain, that will in turn develop negative and low energy feelings. This chain of emotions and physical discomfort triggers a vicious circle, that also affects our skin, hair, mental and physical health, highly compromising our sleep quality.

Therefore, keeping our gut healthy is not just about preventing major acute or chronic disease, deflating our belly, or making us lose weight. Taking care of the well-being of this organ actually involves learning to listen to our real feelings and emotions, that are also known as “gut feelings”.

What shall we do then to avoid this from happening and implement a great wellness routine that will take care of our Mind and Gut Connection?

Follow a healthy and balanced diet rich of foods that increase the “good” intestinal flora. Among these, a daily dose of probiotics and prebiotic supplements are recommended to support, build and maintain a healthy colon of good bacteria, helping good digestion.

Foods containing both are: almond and coconut yogurt, kefir yogurt, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, tofu, garlic, onion, asparagus, leek, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory root, bananas.

Additionally, practicing daily physical activities and meditation sessions will help our mind to unwind and release tension, letting our gut calm down, processing information slowly and positively.