Learn More about Gut and Brain Relationship and Benefits of Probiotics
4 min read

Unlocking the Gut-Brain Axis: Your Path to Better Snacking and Boosted Mood!

The gut-brain axis is a fascinating topic. If you've ever noticed that your mood can change depending on what you've eaten, then you're onto something big. It turns out that the connection between our gut and brain is deeper than a passing feeling. Nature’s Garden has many snack options including dried fruits and nut mixes that have beneficial ingredients for your gut health. So, what is the gut-brain axis we’re all talking about, and how can it help you choose better snacks while supporting your mental health? Let’s dive in!

What is the Gut-Brain Axis?

The gut-brain axis is essentially a bi-directional communication system connecting the gastrointestinal tract (that's your gut) and the brain.  Your gut is filled with trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiota. The bacteria in your gut not only help digest food but also produce neurotransmitters that can influence how we feel. One of the more famous neurotransmitters is serotonin, often dubbed the "happy hormone," and around 95% of it is produced in the gut!

Research has unveiled a strong link between gut health and mental health. When your gut bacteria are thriving, they send positive signals to your brain, which can boost your mood and promote feelings of well-being. Conversely, a disrupted gut can lead to issues like anxiety and depression. The health of your gut directly impacts your brain’s health, creating an essential partnership that supports both physical and mental wellness.

Can Gut Health Improve Mental Health?

The short answer is: potentially! While we can't say that eating yogurt or drinking kombucha will magically make your worries disappear, there’s growing evidence to indicate that maintaining a healthy gut can certainly support mental well-being.

Research has been digging deep into how these microorganisms and overall diet alterations can influence our mental health.

  • A recent review study revealed that the gut microbiota could influence the brain and mental health in several ways, including reducing the risk for anxiety and depression.
  • Probiotics, prebiotics, fruits, vegetables, and certain spices have been shown to exert protective effects against mental disorders through regulating the gut microbiota.
  • Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM6432, and Akkermansia muciniphila, showed significant preventive and therapeutic effects on several mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

If you are a woman interested in specific health benefits probiotics and prebiotics can have for you, check out our recent blog post, Empowered Gut, Empowered You, where we dive deeper into how prebiotics and probiotics can improve the health of women.

How can you ensure that your gut is happy? It all begins with what you put on your plate. Incorporate some of the following tips into your daily routine, and get ready to experience the delightful benefits of a happy gut-feel-good connection.

5 Tips to Support Gut Health

  • Snack Smart: Incorporate fiber-rich snacks, such as fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains that your gut health will love!
  • Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! It helps to keep a reusable water bottle with you so you can track your intake throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your digestive system run smoothly. Add some lemon or cucumber for an extra flavor boost that could perk up your mood too!
  • Get Cultured: Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are fantastic gut health enhancers. They contain probiotics, which introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut and enhance digestive health.
  • Cut the Sugar and Processed Foods: While sugary snacks might give you a quick high, they can lead to a crash that sends your mood tumbling down. Opt for healthy snacks like raw nuts, trail mixes, or homemade energy bars to keep your blood sugar stable.
  • Eat Mindfully: Take a moment to enjoy your snacks without distractions. Mindful eating allows you to tune into your body's hunger signals and can improve your digestion and gut health.

Talk about snacking smart…One of our newest snacks, Fruichias, is a real fruit and health super-snack that your gut health will thrive on! We add 2 billion microencapsulated probiotics and 4g of dietary fiber to each serving. Oh, and the best part? FruiChias have no added sugar but are made from real fruit purees.

By being intentional about the snacks we choose and the food we eat, we can lend a helping hand to our gut, which, in turn, supports our brain and boosts our mood. So, why not make snack and meal time both exciting and nutritious! Your gut and brain will thank you! Healthy snacking isn’t just about fueling your body; it’s also about nurturing your mind. We hope you start incorporating some of our tips and let us know in the comments below if you try any of our products out!

How does stress impact the gut-brain axis?

Stress can alter the gut microbiome and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and nausea.

Do any vitamins and minerals enhance gut health?

Vitamin D can help maintain a healthy gut and promote calcium absorption. Magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc are also beneficial to improve overall digestion and stress related hormones.

Can exercise improve the gut-brain axis?

Yes, regular exercise can improve the diversity of your gut microbiome, while also relieving symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression that can hinder gut health.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.