For better digestion
What we eat effects what we think and feel! The digestive system is a 24/7 operation that impacts all parts of the body. Whether you’re eating for pleasure, fuel, healing, or nutrition – our digestive system is on a constant cycle of breakdown food, absorbing nutrients, and releasing waste. This cycle repeats every time new food enters the digestive tract. The job of the digestive system may seem simply and straightforward, but along the 22-25ft digestive tract several complex processes are in action that effect each and every organ in the body. One particular organ is the brain. The relationship between the digestive system and brain is called the Gut-Brain Axis.
You may we wondering, how the heck does my stomach have anything to do with my brain?! A simple way to think of the Gut-Brain Axis is a two lane highway between the gut and the brain where hormones, neurotransmitters, and our immune system travel to and fro. An example of this is when we eat foods high in the amino acid tryptophan. Yes, the sleepy and restful feeling you get after your eat turkey is because of tryptophan. Other foods high in tryptophan are fish, meat, pineapples, bananas, nuts, spinach, chocolate, and eggs. When are digestives system comes across tryptophan in food, the gut converts the amino acid into 5-HTP (5-hydroxytrotophan) and releases it into our circulation. When 5-HTP reaches the brain, it converts into serotonin – the feel-good and happy neurotransmitter. Roughly 95% all serotonin is produced in the gut. Serotonin also protects the digestive system from toxins, helps lets us know when we’re full, regulates fluid levels, and monitors normal bowel functions. When some of the serotonin in our gut gets released in our circulation and can reach the brain. Serotonin plays such a role in regulating our digestive system, and at times doctors prescribe antidepressants to patients suffering form IBS.
Studies have shown that when we improve our diets, the better we feel and think. An international prison study followed five prisons over a twenty-five-year span where inmates were given supplements and vitamins and found prison violence decrease by thirty percent (Bernard Gesch, 2002). Research has also shown that improving the nutritional value of food in schools improve students learning aptitude and behavior (www.cdc.gov/healthyschools). These studies and research show the Gut-Brain Axis connection how nutritional improvements positively impact mental health.
If you’re experiencing digestion distress, most likely you’re also experiencing some level of mental and emotional distress as well. The good news is that our bodies love being healthy and balance is always working to achieve this internally. Simple changes in diet and lifestyle easily aid the body in healing itself. Come join me on Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30pm at Healing Arts NYC for a free How to Improve Digestion Workshop. We’ll learn about the digestive system, easy tips on how to improve digestion, and foods that improve gut microbiome. If you’re interested RSVP to info@healingartsnyce.com or email ingrid@healingartsnyc.com