It seems that the old adage is true, “you are what you eat”. Research suggests that the food we eat, and the bacteria in our gut, has a direct impact on the chemicals that our brain uses to communicate, also known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals are created in the gut as well as the brain which is why diet and nutrition is so linked with mental health. This connection between what we eat, and our brain is called the Gut-Brain Axis and connects the intestines, and other bodily systems, with the central nervous system.
Interestingly, much of the well-known neurotransmitter Serotonin is created in the gut. Serotonin promotes feelings of happiness, calm, and relaxation. Eating the amino acid Tryptophan is one of the ways we can produce more serotonin. Foods high in tryptophan include:
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Written by: Alexandra Jade Adalbert, LPCA, MS
2 Comments
Maria
4/3/2024 05:08:40 pm
What an interesting and educational article. There is so much about our brain that we do not know and this excellent summary of the core information that we need to know makes for a quick and simple reference to all we need to know about improving our mental health. I don’t need to go and read many articles, just this one. Excellent work, thank you.
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Laura
4/4/2024 01:46:05 am
Thank you for the information
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