Gut health directly affects your mood. And the opposite is also true. This happens because of the relationship between the enteric system – which participates in functions such as nutrient absorption, controlling inflammatory processes and regulating blood flow – and the nervous system. Both influence the functioning and performance of each other.
“It is essential to emphasize that the intestine and the brain are physically and biochemically connected through millions of different nerves”, says Ágata Hadad, pharmacist at Equaliv, a brand of food supplements.
Among the structures that connect the brain and intestine are the vagus nerve; neurotransmitters, produced by the brain and responsible for controlling feelings and emotions; and gut microbes, which are responsible for controlling the immune system and inflammation, assessing what the body takes in and what it excretes.
serotonin
About 90% of serotonin, considered a natural mood stabilizer, is produced in the gut. Among other things, this hormone is essential for regulating anxiety, restoring the body, maintaining bone health and lowering the incidence of depression. “A good intestinal microbiota helps in the control and balance of endocrine, immune and neural functions”, points out Ágata.
Unhealthy habits contribute negatively to the health of the intestinal microbiota and interfere in a harmful way with the functioning of all body systems. “It is fundamental to focus on beneficial behaviors for the health of the intestine and, consequently, of the entire body”.
The pharmacist lists 5 essential habits for maintaining and preserving gut health:
- Chew food well;
- Prefer natural foods to industrialized ones, that is, less packaging and more peels;
- Consume probiotic and prebiotic foods regularly;
- Manage stress and
- Avoid gluten consumption.
Get news from metropolises on your Telegram and stay on top of everything! Just access the channel: https://t.me/metropolesurgente.
