The ‘Gut’ factor in Mental Health – more than just a feeling?
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The mental health crisis continues to impact far too many lives. Many of life's and society's problems remain unsolved, and we have only been creating awareness without knowing exactly what to do about them. We often do a shallow dive into ideas that strike us but avoid delving into them at deeper levels. In the realm of ‘mental health’, our focus has traditionally been on the mind itself, techniques like reframing mental patterns, and adopting a gradual approach to therapy and self-care. But what if better well-being begins not only in our heads, but deep within our guts?
I came across a few pieces of emerging research, like this study (https://lnkd.in/guhre87d) among others I am currently reading, that show how gut health influences our mental state. This concept, known as the Gut-Brain Axis, refers to the complex communication network linking our gastrointestinal tract and our brain, affecting everything from our mood to cognitive functions. Studies suggest this axis plays a role in conditions like depression, anxiety, and even more complex disorders like psychosis, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer's.
#Sadhguru, a Yogi and Mystic, adds a unique perspective among many in this field. He proposes that our essence extends beyond our thoughts, influenced significantly by our diet – echoing the adage 'you are what you eat,' in both a physical and mental sense. His views contribute to the diverse research and opinions linking diet with mental health and well-being. You can watch one of his videos about the Gut-brain here: https://lnkd.in/gGfGaZS4 (23:15 to 27:54).
I conducted a personal experiment by adopting mindful eating and attempting to improve gut health for a few days. I discovered that it could have a lasting impact on elevating the mood profoundly, like the uplift we get from an inspiring song, a motivational video, or a sense of well-being. For good Gut health, here are some of the foods to try: probiotics like yogurt, prebiotics like asparagus, high-fiber foods like seeds and grains, polyphenol-rich foods like cocoa, dark chocolates and walnuts.
I believe it's time to initiate a new dialogue around mental health, one that acknowledges the wisdom in sayings like 'trust your gut feeling' or 'listen to your gut.' Recognizing that our well-being is influenced not just by our thoughts but also by the health of our gut. Join me in this exploration of the untapped potential of gut-brain health. Who else feels that gut-driven urge to delve deeper into this fascinating link and would like to share their insights and experiences?
#GutIsMindful
#WrittenByHuman
#MentalHealth
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