Understanding the relationship and connection between our gut and our brain is one of the most valuable lessons we can learn in relation to feeling better and thinking clearer. When we know that one effects the other, it’s easier to be more mindful about how we fuel our body. It’s been said that “The gut is not Las Vegas; what happens in the gut does not stay in the gut.” This anonymous quote perfectly encompasses the idea that, “We are what we eat.”

The impact of the gut on the brain is fascinating, especially when considering the way our gut health impacts our cognitive function and our emotional well-being. When our gut isn’t functioning well, our digestive system gets thrown out of whack and can cause an imbalance in mood as well as brain health. When we eat junk, we feel like junk and our minds can get foggy. Conditions like Leaky Gut Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are also risk factors to take into consideration, and they both have negative impacts on cognitive health and emotional well-being.

In the case of Leaky Gut Syndrome, harmful substances leak into the bloodstream and can result in triggering inflammatory responses within the body, and the brain is no exception. An inflamed brain results in mood changes, cognitive impairments, and a higher risk of neurological conditions. Thus, the gut-brain connection.

An individual with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is susceptible to heightened levels of anxiety and depression, a direct link between the gut and brain. Those suffering from IBS are highly likely to experience discomfort and stress caused by this condition and, in turn, the discomfort and stress exacerbate mental health issues and even gastrointestinal symptoms. This cycle is yet another manifestation of the gut-brain connection.

Making mindful dietary choices and being conscientious about lifestyle with an understanding of how these aspects of life influence one another, the gut-brain connection can be harmonized. Reducing processed foods in the diet while incorporating probiotics and prebiotics can help combat the effects of Leaky Gut Syndrome and IBS, allowing balance between the gastrointestinal system and cognitive function. When optimal brain health is the goal, the gut cannot be overlooked.