Gut Check: Boosting Mental Health Through Gut Care

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month 🧠

Did you know that by looking after your gut health you’re also improving your mental health?

I know we're all about guts at Gut Wealth but our guts and brains are besties so we're here to support you with our top 5 tips for improving both your gut and mental health... at the same time! 

The Gut-Brain Connection 🧬

You know how sometimes your tum feels tied up in knots when you're stressed?

Well, there's a close connection between your gut and your brain. When your gut microbiome gets irritated, it sends signals to your brain, messing with your mood.

Studies even show that people dealing with certain tummy troubles are more likely to feel down or anxious. Bet you've not thought about it before, right?

But don’t worry, we’ve found 5 easy ways to look after your gut and brain together!

Eating Veggies and Fruits 

Think of fruits and veggies like your body's best friends—they're essential for keeping both your gut and your mind in tip-top shape. Packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, they give your gut the love it needs to thrive 🧡

When your gut’s happy, it sends positive signals to your brain through something called the gut-brain axis, boosting your mood and overall mental wellness 🧘

Plus, all those nutrients in fruits and veggies? They're like little mood boosters, so you can stay sharp and feeling good! It’s a win-win situation 🏆

Walking

Picture this: when you take a stroll, you're not just moving your legs—you're giving your gut a gentle nudge, helping food flow smoothly through your system and keeping your gut bugs happy. 

Plus, walking does wonders for your stress levels, thanks to those feel-good endorphins it unleashes. And here's a bonus: when you step outside for your walk, you soak up some sun, which boosts your vitamin D and elevates your mood even more ☀️

So, by making walking a regular part of your routine, you're not only giving your gut some love but also giving yourself a mental boost. You can learn more by reading this post with Walking: the Magic for Good Gut Health 🚶

And guess what?

Walking is a part of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme of Movement 

Hydration

Staying hydrated is important to help your digestive system work at its best 💦

Proper hydration helps to keep the digestive system functioning smoothly, preventing issues like constipation 🚽 💩 

But watch out! If you don't drink enough water, it's like hitting the pause button on your brain. Dehydration can fog up your thinking, making it harder to stay alert. So, remember to keep that water bottle handy!

Relaxation

Try using relaxation exercises to relieve stress from your gut and your brain. Stress can significantly impact digestive function and overall well-being 🧘

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help to reduce stress levels, promote a sense of calm, and improve mood. So, take a breather and strike a yoga pose. Your gut—and your mental well-being—will thank you for it!

Good Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep isn't just about feeling refreshed—it's like hitting the reset button for both your gut and your mind.

But mess with your sleep, and your gut might rebel! Disrupted sleep can throw off the balance of bacteria in your gut, leading to issues like bloating, inflammation, and wonky bathroom habits 💨

Chronic sleep problems can also mess with your mind, increasing your chances of feeling anxious or depressed. When you sleep well, your brain can process information, regulate your emotions, and keep your mood steady. So, if you want a happy tummy, make sure to catch those 💤 

Ready to take charge of your gut and mind?

If you're doing all 5 of these consistently, then the foundations of your health are set. Don't underestimate the power of small changes. You’ve GUT this 🌟

Leona Wade

Intern