Brainy Belly

Listen to Michele's radio interview (bottom of this blog).

Foods to embrace and ditch if you struggle with anxiety?

Your gut has a lot to answer for.  Moods and behaviours are a combination of many things, but we often miss the role of how we feed ourselves.  Researchers investigating neurogastroenterology (the central nervous system-gut link) are now recognising the gut's capacity to act as a "second brain", to influence minds, moods and behaviours. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, involved in depression and mood regulation, are also found in the intestinal tract.  Indeed, it has been estimated that 90 per cent of serotonin is produced with the help of microbes in your intestines. Consequently, it makes sense to nourish beneficial gut flora.  to build and strengthen gut bacteria, include fermented foods in your diet.  Try lassie (yoghurt drink), kefir (fermented milk) and pickled vegetables.

Other sources of probiotics:

• Pickles (a great source of fermented food)
• Kimchi (spicy Korean fermented cabbage)
• Tempeh (a fermented soybean; marinate and use as bacon or add to a stirfry)
• Coconut yoghurt (a dairy-free source of probiotics and enzymes)
• Miso (nutrient-dense; add to water for a cup of soup or add to vegetables for flavour)

Listen to Michele's radio interview with Talking Lifestyle - Monday 6th February, 2017 *Article from WHO Magazine, January 2017