The gut-brain axis: how nutrition affects the brain

science now knows that there is a direct The connection between our gut and our brain Huh. The two organs communicate with each other through the nervous system and can affect each other. One of the most important connections between the gut and the brain is vagus nerve That is to say, the nerve is the highway on which the exchange of signals between two organs takes place. Impressions about the state of the digestive system are sent to the brain, while the computing center in our heads sends signals to the gut that can actively control digestion. With this knowledge in mind, it is no coincidence that we stress or aggravation from digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea can suffer. In fact, some points learning outcome It even suggested that there may be a link between the baseline tone of the vagus nerve and chronic bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

In addition to this direct neurological connection between the gut and the brain, there is a second component of gut-brain axis, Both the organs also affect each other neurotransmitters mutual. Neurotransmitters are messenger substances that are released by our body to initiate certain processes. Most of these messenger substances are made directly in the brain and control functions in the rest of the body. In the meantime, however, researchers have been able to determine that our intestines are also a significant producer of hormones and neurotransmitters. be like this About 95 percent of the happiness hormone serotonin is actually manufactured in the gut.,

However, the gut can only produce messenger substances such as serotonin when it is healthy. A healthy intestinal flora is important for this. If the relationship between the many billions of bacteria in our digestive system is imbalanced, fewer feel-good hormones are produced – which has far-reaching effects on our mental health. one in 2020 Meta-Study The researchers were able to create a strong The relationship between depression and the constitution of the gut biome Decide So what we eat can have a direct impact on our mental health.

Healthy Mind: These Foods Make You Happy

fishFish such as herring, salmon or trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These not only have a positive effect on our vascular health but also on our psyche. To activate the calm and happy hormone serotonin in the brain, it needs enough omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers believe essential fatty acids play an important role production of serotonin in the brain,

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Tofu: Protein suppliers like soybeans – but also eggs, lentils, chickpeas and company – can do our psyche good. They contain several amino acids, including tryptophan. It is converted into serotonin by intestinal bacteria. In the brain it serves as the starting material production of mood-enhancing hormones,

OatmealWhole grain foods like oatmeal provide our intestines with huge amounts of long-chain carbohydrates. Such insoluble fiber is important for our intestinal bacteria. And a healthy gut ensures a healthy mind. Plus, oat flakes provide about 210 milligrams of tryptophan per 100 grams, which, as we now know, is metabolized to serotonin.