All in Mental Health

Gut Health: Yes, It Is Really Important.

Did You Know?

  • More than 40 diseases have been linked with bacterial imbalances in the gut ie) depression, IBS, Cancer, Arthritis, Colitis, Diabetes the list goes on

  • The gut produces 95% of your serotonin, this affects moods, energy levels, and sleep.

  • Our bodies are more bacteria than human

  • Over 20 million Canadians suffer from a digestive disease costing $18 Billion in health care and lost productivity.

Yes, the topic of gut health is definitely not glamorous and can be a bit embarrassing for some but for 2 out of 3 Canadians it is a huge deal and it is important we talk about it.

It is time, like with mental health, we start stripping away the stigma and shed light on issues that truly affect our health, like the importance of our digestive systems.

The digestion system is beginning to get the credit it deserves. Once thought as just mere vessels that broke down the foods we eat and move it along is no longer the only task it does. The whole digestive track and all its components are much more intelligent, sophisticated, and involved than originally thought!

The brain and gut send messages back and forth using the vagus nerve. The digestive system tells the brain stuff and the brain tells the digestive system stuff. How? Through the microbiota in the gut! Yes, the bacteria in the gut can communicate with the rest of the body, who knew?

Winter Can Be Hard For Some People

We are well into winter now and the clocks have fallen back which means we are in the dark a lot, and that can be hard for some people. I want to touch on a few tips to help keep the winter sadness to a minimum, yes there are things you can do on a daily basis to help not feel so bad during the dark months of winter.

I want to focus on just 2 neurotransmitters: Serotonin and Dopamine, both make us feel good but there are a few differences.

Dopamine:

  • Is triggered by short term pleasure ie) on-line shopping, dating apps, eating sugar

Serotonin:

  • Is triggered by acts of long term satisfaction ie) maintaining a regular exercise program, self care practices, healthy relationships

Dopamine:

  • Touches 5 brain receptors

Serotonin:

  • Touches 14 brain receptors

Dopamine:

  • Can be addictive and can leave you wanting more

Serotonin:

  • Non addictive and can make you feel happy and content with what you have

Self-Isolation Can Be Hard: Here's How Your Nutrition Can Help.

I am spending more time on social media lately because I have more time being socially isolated. I am finding many people are expressing more anxiety, fear and sadness because of upset in routine, isolation from loved ones, loss of employment and an overall fear of the unknown. This is a normal response, I am truly sorry some of you are experiencing these feelings and I want to help.