Did you know that your gut health and brain health are connected? You may have heard of the gut-brain connection and how there is a link between your digestive health and cognitive decline.
Your digestive system contains trillions of microorganisms, known as your gut microbiome, and it’s your gut microbiome that helps digest your food and boost your immune system.
Your Gut-Brain Axis
Your gut and brain are constantly communicating with each other. Yes, it tells you when it’s hungry but it also is what influences your mood, memory and cognition.
For example, let’s say you eat a big slice of cake. Your gut starts breaking down the cake into nutrients, and as it does, it sends signals to your brain saying, “Hey, we’ve got some sugar and fats coming in!”
Your brain then processes this information and if it were to respond it might be something like, “Great, send some energy my way!” If you’ve eaten too much cake, your gut might start feeling uncomfortable, and be sending signals to your brain to stop and say, “Hey, we’re getting really full down here!”
Your brain then processes this chit-chat and may respond by either making you feel full and satisfied so you stop eating, or your mood may become affected because you now feel guilty that you have overindulged.
So, it’s like a constant back-and-forth between your gut and brain, with each one influencing the other and working together to hopefully keep your body healthy and happy.
When the Gut-Brain Axis Affects Your Cognitive Function
When there’s a disruption in the communication between the gut and the brain, it can affect your cognitive function. Here’s another example.
Let’s say you’re under a lot of stress for a prolonged period. This stress can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut and affect the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a role in mood regulation and cognitive function.
As a result, you might experience symptoms like brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or even mood swings. This happens because the signals sent from your gut to your brain aren’t functioning optimally, impacting your cognitive abilities.
So, disruptions in the gut-brain axis can lead to various cognitive issues, showing the importance of maintaining a healthy gut for your cognitive health.
Nutrient Nourishment
This one we all know. Your digestive system is responsible for extracting the nutrients from the food that you eat and those nutrients aren’t just for fueling your body with energy. They’re also essential for your brain health.
Foods rich in fiber and antioxidants keep the gut microbiome healthy and also help to protect you against cognitive decline.
Inflammation Impact
When your gut isn’t healthy, it can lead to inflammation that can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain. If the inflammation persists, it becomes chronic and can affect your brain. This can lead to cognitive decline and other conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Improve Digestive Health to Promote Cognitive Function
Now you know how important your digestive system is in promoting cognitive health, here are some tips to help you improve your health and prevent cognitive decline.
Eat a Balanced Diet and Exercise
Eat healthy proteins, fats, and carbs, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and include probiotics and fiber too. These provide the nutrients you need to support your digestive and cognitive health.
Probiotics are essential bacteria that help keep your gut microbiome balanced, while fiber gives it bulk, to provide an ideal environment and to assist in keeping the bowel moving and active. Avoid processed foods and those with unhealthy fats and high amounts of sugar. They can disrupt the balance of microbes in your gut and contribute to inflammation.
Don’t forget to get moving too. Regular exercise supports your body and brain by stimulating digestion and improving your gut microbiome. Start with 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day.
Drink Plenty of Water
Always keep yourself hydrated. You should drink enough water, at least 8 glasses every day to keep things moving through your digestive system. Staying hydrated is good for everything! It also helps to improve your energy, mood, and focus.
Manage Stress
Stress can negatively affect your digestive health. It can really mess up your metabolism and mood, so it’s essential that you learn how to manage your stress levels the best way you can.
Prioritize Sleep
You need to get proper sleep for your brain and gut to function optimally. Complete rest and sleep can support your digestive health and cognitive function. Quality sleep is also linked to helping prevent Alzheimer’s, so make sure you get the sleep you need so you can keep your brain healthy.
There’s a strong connection between your digestive health and cognitive function. By understanding and actively supporting your digestive system, you can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and boost your brain health. Make sure you do all the things listed above to promote your digestive health and cognitive well-being.
