The longstanding saying that you are what you eat is reason enough to keep an eye out for what goes into our systems. The mind and body connection is not merely a psychosomatic association, but rather, one that goes deeper in its association. The food we consume, the medication and drinks we indulge in can influence our overall health.

In addition, our stomachs and guts are home to certain kinds of bacteria that help ensure our health and wellbeing. The health of the brain is affected by the extent of our resident bacteria and the state it is in, and therefore, it is imperative that we do as much as we can to keep them in a healthy state. To ensure that you’re on the right path with this, here are a few pointers to keep the bacteria in your gut safe, to rebuild your brain and body health. – Indulge in probiotics: Probiotics are good bacteria and stimulate a state of good health for the body.

A good source of probiotics are usually off-the-shelf probiotic drinks and fermented foods, since they are natural sources that enhance the extent of probiotics. Where natural sources of probiotics are unavailable or inaccessible, the best bet is to take up supplements and probiotic drinks. – While probiotics are good, it is also important that you lockdown on the consumption of antibiotics and keep it to a minimum.

The usual deal of pill popping in the face of infections tends to affect your health adversely, while attacking the illness itself. Unless it is absolutely necessary, do all that you can to avoid antibiotics.

– Fibrous foods are exceptional for the body, especially prebiotic fibre, since it encourages the growth of healthy probiotic organisms. Fibre is also good for digestion, and augments circulation.

– Cut back on refined foods such as refined flour and breads and biscuits made out of refined flour. By eating too much of refined food, you tend to put your resident bacteria into a state of ill health.

– Cut down on sugars and carbohydrates, especially gluten, since the digestion of these food groups is technically the digestion of very complex foods. It creates an imbalance in your system, and result in inflammations. Gluten increases the permeability of gut lining, so it allows inflammation producing bacterial contents into the circulatory system.

– Use organic food products, groceries and grains. A lot of genetically modified foods come with the threat of frugal nutrients and high level chemicals, which can erode your system. – Cut down on sodas and heavily acidic foods, especially since they create a hostile environment for probiotic bacteria in your body.

References:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18318/8-tips-to-reset-your-gut-optimize-brain-health.html

http://theconversation.com/you-are-what-you-eat-how-diet-affects-mental-well-being-27115

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/improve-mental-wellbeing.aspx

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