Opening Statement:
Do you sometimes get butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous, or feel like you need to run to the bathroom when your anxiety kicks in? Our gut has a lot to say when it comes to our mental health, and it plays a key role in our overall well-being. FACT…our intestinal walls store 70 percent of the cells that make up our immune systems. An unwell or unhealthy gut will lead to more health problems down the road. FACT…stress, depression, and anxiety can negatively affect our gastrointestinal system so let us all try to keep our guts healthy!
Facts and Important Information About Our Gastrointestinal System:
· Research has found that the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system are in constant communication. The relationship is referred to as the gut-brain-axis
· Psychological factors can impact the way in which your GI tract moves and contracts
· An unhealthy GI tract can cause you to experience depression, anxiety, brain fog and much more
Is Your GI Tract Unhealthy?
Some of the Signs That Your GI Tract Is Unhealthy Are:
· Rectal bleeding
· Chronic abdominal pain
· Weight fluctuation
· Persistent fatigue
· Food intolerance
How To Keep Your GI Tract in Top Shape
Listed below are tips for cleaning up your gut and in turn, supporting your mental health:
Improve Your Diet:
· If you’re experiencing much inflammation and irritation of the gut, consider taking a daily probiotic. Eliminating dairy and gluten from your diet, as well as eating more organic and colorful fruits and vegetables, may also help heal your GI tract.
· Adding high-fiber and fermented foods to your diet will be useful, too. If you want additional guidance on how you can clean up your diet, consider nutritional counseling.
Take Time for Self-Care:
· Stress, depression and anxiety have a huge impact on your gut health
· Putting time aside to meditate and journal at some point during your day may help alleviate some of these feelings. Of course, there are times when our mental health may be too much to handle on our own
· When additional support is needed, consider making an appointment with a mental health professional
Closing Statement and NOTE:
The information provided in this article should be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your healthcare physician. Always consult your healthcare provider for you and your family’s individual care. As always, everyone should have at least one yearly well visit a year. It is also a good idea to journal your health and note your questions ahead of time to share your concerns with your healthcare provider.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Printed Marketing Material
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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