What your gut says about your stress level

If you are feeling anxious and out of sorts lately, your gut may be trying to tell you it needs to be fed differently. Researchers are beginning to understand that not all of our moods and feelings start in the brain. Some of them start in the gut. In fact, because the gut influences a big piece of mental wellness, it’s been nicknamed the second brain. 

This Stress Awareness Month, learn how feeding certain nutrients to your gut bacteria, including Sunfiber, may help improve your mood. 

What are your gut and brain saying to one another? 

Your gut creates much of the serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters responsible for your mood. And it’s your gut bacteria, also called your gut microbiome, that influence much of the signaling. 

What’s an out of balance gut look like? When your gut is not sending the right signals to the brain, you may feel anxious, stressed and tired. You may simply feel like something is bugging you but you don’t know what’s causing that “gut feeling.” You may get food cravings. This can be in addition to other digestive issues including bloating, cramping and occasional diarrhea or occasional constipation.

Three tips for feeding your gut bacteria 

1. Become a grazer. Avoid eating too much, too fast. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly helps your gut bacteria digest nutrients more easily. 
2. Eat plenty of fiber, particularly soluble fiber. Gut bacteria thrive on fiber. The right soluble fiber feeds your beneficial gut bacteria (acts as a prebiotic). Good soluble fiber sources include apples, beans and vegetables. But be careful. Some foods and supplemental fibers can cause gas and bloating. Backed by more than 120 clinical studies, Sunfiber is a prebiotic soluble fiber that supports gut health without causing excessive gas or bloating. 
3. Eat a wide range of foods. Food diversity, especially fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, will support a healthier, broader diversity of gut bacteria..

While we’re only beginning to understand how gut and brain communications influence moods,  if you’re feeling out of sorts and looking for solutions, having a healthier gut is a good place to start.