The connection between your gut microbiota is called the gut-brain axis. They directly impact one another and can affect your mood, digestion and even the way you think.
So how does this gut-brain connection work?
Like the brain, your gut is full of nerves. This is often referred to as the enteric nervous system (ENS) or your “second brain”.
When the gut is imbalanced, your digestive health. hormonal health and mental health suffer as a result.
So in short, your gut-brain connection is a complex two-way network involving your nervous-system, your immune-system and the system of chemical messages known as neuro-transmitters.
So where does the connection with the hormones come in?
Serotonin and cortisol are the 2 main hormones affected by what is happening in your digestive tract.
Serotonin is known as one of the neuro-transmitters in the gut and is the hormone responsible for your emotional well-being. Thus, the connection again with your mental health.
So no, happiness is not only a state of mind, it also has a lot to do with what’s happening in your gut.
The gut produces a large proportion of your bodies serotonin and studies have showed that your gut bacteria (microbiome) can regulate this.
Cortisol on the other hand, is one of the hormones released by the body when you are experiencing stress. It enters into the digestive system and can help your digestion process but decrease your antibody production.
This chemical imbalance results in gastrointestinal conditions including:
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea/constipation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Appetite loss/unusual hunger
- Nausea
And apart from the digestive issues, the stress hormones also lead to mental health issues of anxiety and depression.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of moodiness, depression or even anxiety – your gut may be trying to tell you something!
• Mind what and how you eat: Pre-plan nutrient-dense meals and take on a majority plant based approach. Cut out foods that cause inflammation like sugar and gluten. Also make sure to take your time while you eat and enjoy every bite. Lastly, remember to hydrate!
• Exercise: This shouldn’t be daunting, it should be exciting. It doesn’t need to be vigorous ‘pro athlete’ kind of exercise. Schedule daily walks, stretching, or swimming. These are all wonderful ways to lower cortisol levels and improve moods.
• Get in gut support ingredients: Slippery elm, peppermint, dandelion root, papaya enzyme, lemon balm and ginger root are all powerful ingredients that aid digestion, alleviate bloating, soothes cramps, speeds food break down and even prevents gas. These ingredients can all be found in our Kiko Bloat capsules.
Kiko Vitals 100% natural hormone balancing supplement includes a blend of 13 powerful ingredients to nourish, support and restore your hormone and gut health in the most natural way.
