According to science, we don’t have one brain: we have two. Sort of. Our gut is nicknamed our “second brain,” and while it may not solve quadratic equations and propel us to an A on our next exam, it can serve a pretty wild dinner party. This is important, since it hosts about 30 trillion to 50 trillion guests, called the “microbiome.”
The microbiome is the collection of bacteria that live in our bodies, mostly in our gut, and communicates with our grey matter. This is known as the gut-brain connection, or gut-brain axis, and it was an important discovery. Studies have continued to reveal the unique role these bacteria play in our health, particularly their relationship to our mental health.
The complexities of this relationship are too great to summarize here, but there’s enough evidence to support the theory that an unhealthy gut leads to an unhealthy mind; this can happen when the number of bad bacteria outweigh the beneficial ones.
The good news is that we are not left at the mercy of these wayward bacteria. We can tip the scales in our favour by taking some simple steps to improve our digestion.
Our digestion can be impaired if we’re stressed. To avoid this, we can make an effort to set aside enough time to eat our food slowly, in a relaxed space. Additionally, when we’re eating, it’s important to take the time to properly chew our food, as digestion actually starts in the mouth when food mixes with saliva. It’s also a good idea to limit foods that can trigger digestive issues by avoiding food intolerances and excessive amounts of spice, alcohol, and caffeine.
We can also use probiotic supplements, which introduce good bacteria into the gut. Just ensure you get ones that have a guaranteed minimum number of active or live cells, and pay attention to expiry dates and refrigeration requirements.
Eating fermented foods like yogurt or kimchi can also supply good bacteria.
Lastly, we’re all familiar with the old adage “you are what you eat,” but in this case it’s about what the bacteria eat too. Experts suggest they thrive when we eat fibre from a variety of sources, so don’t skimp on the whole grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies, and be sure to wash them all down with plenty of water.
Bon appétit, and remember: change takes time.