The Mind- Gut connection

 

I am greatly intrigued and fascinated by the power of the gut microbiome and the emerging research, which reveals the impact of the gut microbiota on chronic disease states, ranging from inflammatory and auto-immune conditions to depression and mental health disorders. I recently completed this book which was very insightful. However, the content may be a little dry to some as there were numerous studies reviewed throughout the text.  

Dr. Mayer discusses how there is a little chicken and egg relationship with the gut and brain- Do the gut microbes influence our brain or does our brain influence the gut? Probably some of both.  One of the concepts that stuck with me is the circumstances surrounding the consumption of food. I have studied mindfulness and am aware to be more mindful with consumption, however Dr. Mayer talks about the emotional circumstances surrounding our eating and our brain wiring. For example, if we turn to a chocolate chip cookie when we are stressed, we of course temporarily feel better after eating the chocolate chip cookie. The next time we feel stress, our brain has made that connection and wants the chocolate chip cookie for satisfaction. Makes sense right?  Our food trouble is so much deeper than willpower. Additionally, during times of stress our bodies produce cortisol and store fat. Therefore, a meal consumed during emotional stress is more likely to be stored as fat.  I don't know about your household, but I can tell you that while I make a lot of attempts to get my family to sit down at the table to eat, as I realize the importance of family dinners, it can be a very stressful time. My husband has worked outside most of the day and is famished and wants food quickly, my teenager has attitude, my 10 year-old is picky and is already complaining about dinner before he has even tried it.  We're in a rush for the evening activities, and I'm trying to be Betty Crocker and put a nice, nutritious meal on the table, but am now more stressed from all the chaos and would really just like to throw in the towel and go drink some wine in my bathtub alone.  Does anyone else deal with this? 

It's no wonder we have so much trouble with excess fat storage! Most people are far too stressed, rushed and have a far from peaceful meal. All leading to more stress in the attempt to lose some of the fat.  My goals after reading  this book are:

1) Continue to work on stress management, and when feeling stressed, adopt positive habits such as deep breathing exercises instead of reaching for the cookies. 😞

2) Have a conversation with my family about meal times being a sacred, peaceful time (I've already discussed with my husband and he's on  board- but will see how that goes). 

3)Try to incorporate more fermented foods into my diet such as Kombucha, Kimchi, yogurt, miso, and sauerkraut. 

If you are struggling to lose weight, or fighting chronic disease or inflammation, I encourage you to try to incorporate similar goals into your lifestyle. 

Stay well my friends,

 -Kelli