The Gut-Brain Axis: why looking after your gut health is good for your mental health

In this episode, Lisa is chatting about gut health for mental health. We hope you walk away knowing: What the gut-brain axis is Why it's important for our mental health How to leverage your gut health for greater mental resilience If you're looking for support, contact our team at the BePure Clinic at https://bepure.co.nz/pages/our-clinic At the forefront of our practice is a specialised team of gut health nutritionists passionate about discovering the root cause of poor health. Additional references Exercise is good for your gut  Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects Benefits can be achieved in just 20 mins and can lift your mood for 12 hours Exercise is good for your brain:  Stress relief Boosts brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)  BDNF boost nerve growth which is good for the brain = more neural connections Sleep is good for your gut:  Total microbiome diversity is positively correlated with greater sleep quality and quantity  There is a negative correlation if you wake up after going to sleep Sleep is good for your brain:  Really hard to maintain emotional resilience when your brain is tired Food is good for your gut:  Natural, whole and unprocessed foods is what your gut likes, no matter what kind of diet you subscribe to Pump up your plant intake and diversity, don’t just stick to the same foods all the time. (Reference 2) Food is good for your brain:  Food intake impacts blood sugar regulation  Blood sugar regulation can impact how you feel Alcohol is not helpful for gut or brain.  Alcohol is a depressant (ref 2) Alcohol is not helpful for your gut Alcohol changes our gut microbiome composition, reduces the diversity and richness Restorative daily habits for nervous system health and gut health Studies have started to explore meditation and its impact on the gut/microbiome. Look at the study of Tibetan monks Restorative daily habits for NS health and brain health  Stress relief (meditation and mindfulness)