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The Link Between Gut Health and Anxiety and Depression
Are you experiencing anxiety or depression, and gut problems? Well, you aren't alone. A larger proportion of the population with IBS and other chronic GI issues experiences depression and anxiety. Today we're talking about cutting-edge research to treat both the gut and the brain.
Tower Garden
I purchased my Tower Garden in January and I've had so much endive, spinach, and romaine on hand ever since. Now I'm growing my own corn, tomatoes, and more. It's so nice having fresh vegetables on hand and knowing that they are GMO and pesticide-free.
I've never had a green thumb, so while I've wanted to grow my own food for years, I knew outdoor gardening would be time-consuming and messy, with no guarantee of success. For example, this year it warmed up for a while, then we had another frost. If I had planted an outdoor garden, that easily could've killed it. We can't control the weather, but with a Tower Garden, you can grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers all year long without worrying about pests, disease, or weeds.
Another bonus of the Tower Garden is that food grows up to 3 times faster thanks to its controlled environment, so you don't have to wait as long as you would need to with traditional gardening. You also get peak nutrient value from your produce since you're picking it straight off the vine!
Besides greens and tomatoes, you can also grow things like basil, beans, broccoli, chives, cilantro, cucumbers, dill, eggplant, hot peppers, leeks, oregano parsley, peas, rosemary, sage, squash, watermelon, and so much more. You can really make it your own.
The Gut-Brain Correlation
If you fix the gut and fix your microbiome, you can also fix some of your mental health issues that usually go along with having a GI disorder, such as:
Bloating and gas
Constipation
Diarrhea
GI Distress (that distress can even just be pain)
A diagnosis of IBS or IBD
A new study came out that said that as much as 76% of people suffering from digestive issues and dysfunction also suffer from mood and mental challenges, including dysfunction, mood imbalances, fatigue, and stress.
Studies have shown that there is a high risk for the first year of an IBS diagnosis and psychiatric disorders at the same time. And just recently, a study from Gastroenterology Journal showed that in patients who have constipation, there's a 37% rate of anxiety and a 24% rate of depression, which is much higher than in the general population.
It's good to know that you are not alone and that you may have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety and depression. It's also possible that the same underlying factors can be contributing to both, so make sure you look into your lifestyle, including stress, nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
Test Don't Guess
Sometimes, especially when clients feel desperate, they'll wind up on tons of different supplements that they heard about online or from a friend. They may even just walk into a health food store and decide to pick up a few things that look interesting. They try them for a month or two, don't see a difference, then try different supplements.
I'm here to tell you to stop wasting your time and money and start testing instead of guessing. Through my BioUnique Boutique program, we can do tests to figure out exactly what is causing your symptoms, and what dietary changes and supplements you need to start feeling better. Set up a free call with me to learn more by clicking the button below!
Supplements that Support The Brain
Psychobiotics
A new research study just came out that talks about a new way to treat gut and brain issues with psychobiotics. These are live probiotic strains that support brain function by engaging in the gut-brain axis, which is a bi-directional pathway between the gut microbiota and the brain and central nervous system.
It has been shown that psychobiotics can:
Support a reduction in perceived stress
Improve the ability to cope with occasional stress, including reducing cortisol output during stress
Support improved memory function
Positively support brainwave activity
Support diminished mental fatigue
Target the HPA axis to support cortisol balance
Support tryptophan production
Support increased energy, vitality, and quality of life scores
Support Digestive functions
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of many natural herbs that has been shown to be useful for brain health. It has benefits for stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. Rosmarinic acid, a polyphenol found in rosemary, has significant antinociceptive properties, which means it blocks the perception of pain, and has neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects. It also shows benefits for a number of nervous system disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injury.
Herbal Antimicrobials
Herbal antimicrobials are a natural alternative to antibiotics. They can help with things like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), h. Pylori, and food poisoning that is caused by bacteria like E. Coli.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols can ease physical anxiety and tension and alleviate induced anxiety, ease mental anxiety, worry, and rumination, and alleviate aggression. They are also known to improve mood and cognition.
Glutathione
Glutathione, and its precursor, NAC, promotes detoxification and can help improve compulsive behaviors.
Lavender
Many people are wired and tired, and there are natural herbs like lavender available that can help improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and remove toxic proteins via the brain and lymphatic system.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid that eases mental anxiety, worrying, and rumination.
Work With Me
If you feel like you're ready to try a more natural way to start feeling better, there are two ways to work with me:
Your Diet Do Over is perfect for you if you are looking to lose weight, improve your energy and overall health, and ditch dieting for good.
If you'd like to dig a little deeper, I recommend working with me through the Biounique Boutique. Did you know that your gut microbiome, food intolerances, and micronutrient levels can all affect your ability to lose weight? Through cutting-edge microarray technology, we can do testing to figure out exactly what you need to do to overcome weight loss resistance and start feeling better today.
Not sure which program is right for you? Schedule a free 40-minute call with me!
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