Does Your Brain Have the Guts?

Did you know the human body has a second brain? It’s in the digestive tract. Yes, it’s true. The digestive system is able to influence the brain in your head. In fact, it has more control over us than we may even know.

Cravings

Gut bacteria can influence food cravings. In order for the gut bacteria to survive, it has to be fed. However, if you have bacteria in your gut that is not the good kind, it may make you crave food that doesn’t serve you nutritionally but it does serve them. So when you crave junk food, it may be that you have an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria.

Mood

Your gut flora has an impact on how you feel emotionally as well as physically. The bacteria colonies in your digestive tract can determine what your mood is as well as how you feel physically. When we have a healthy balance of bacteria in our gut, we are much less likely to experience depression or anxiety.

ASD

In a study where mice were raised in a sterile environment and had no gut flora, they displayed traits similar to humans with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After they were given probiotics, their behavior normalized. There have been some studies in humans where the same phenomenon exists.

Survival of the species

Scientists believe that the gut microbiome is influential in developing social behaviors that ensure our survival as a species through reproduction.

Feel good hormones

More than 50% of your dopamine and 90% of your serotonin are produced by the gut bacteria. These are the ‘feel good’  hormones released when you consume quick energy in the form of fat and sugar, causing you to want more of these substances.

Which are you going to feed?

When you consume junk food or quick sources of energy like refined carbs and foods chock full of fats, you’re feeding the ‘bad’ bacteria which will cause cravings for more of the same.

When you feed your body with nutrient dense and probiotic rich foods , you will allow the ‘good’ bacteria to flourish and cravings will be minimal or non-existent.

Our bodies are amazingly effective at staying alive. Even when we feed them badly, they will stay alive until they can’t.

You can decide which bacteria will rule the day. If you feed the good, the likely result will be vibrant health. If you feed the bad, you will only be able to thrive for as long as your body can hold up, but it won’t be forever. Do your body a favor and give it the fuel it needs to stay healthy, vibrant and alive.

Do You Want Help?

Would you like to have more energy, lose weight, sleep better, and balance your hormones? I am launching another  5 week Sugar Detox Program beginning February 3rd.

This program is open to anyone who:

• would like to get control of their sugar cravings
• feel better
• have an abundance of energy
• and an overall increase in well-being.

Aren’t you tired of feeling bloated and lethargic?

If you continue to follow the path you’re on, where will it lead you in six months? a year? Isn’t it time to take a different approach?

What you have done in the past hasn’t worked or at least has not stuck. I can help you change that. Click here for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your challenges and your goals for the coming year and see if we’re a good fit. You have nothing to lose except those nasty cravings.

I help women living with or at risk for developing heart disease or other chronic illness that we can manage through lifestyle and nutrition changes. Or maybe you’re on the verge of developing heart disease, or diabetes, or another lifestyle related condition. If so, let’s chat. For a free consultation with me, click here.