As most of us have experienced, the stressful workday can cause a mix of emotions, some of which can be felt in the pit of your stomach. Have you ever been told to go with your gut or trust your gut feeling? Studies show that this may be a factual expression. The gut has been referred to as our second brain with the ability to physically reflect our feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, nervousness, and emotional pain. The vagus nerve is the cranial nerve that connects the brain and gut, transporting signals in both directions. However, if this nerve is severed the gut still has the ability to function on its own. Alluding to the fact that the gut may actually have a mind of its own.

The healthy bacteria produced in our gut works to regulate positive mood and feelings from the brain. The types and amounts of bacteria a person has are influenced by many factors, such as environment, age, and diet.

The typical modern diet can impact the brain/gut connection. For example, the consumption of fats can change the types of bacteria in your gut. Studies have been showing that there are differences in the gut microbiome between people with anxiety and depression compared to those without. Altering the gut biome with probiotics can decrease these negative feelings and improve overall gut health. Neurotransmitters are also produced in the gut. 90% of serotonin is actually produced in our gut! Serotonin helps to regulate appetite, mood, sleep, and relaxation. From this, we can conclude that a happy gut equals a happy mind, which in turn equals a healthy and happy life! So go with your gut feeling!

At Valley Schools, we are passionate about enhancing nutritional awareness! Our wellness programs are designed to provide valuable resources to ensure that our members are energized, motivated, and feeling great.

For more information, please visit our site at: myvalleyschools.org