Let’s talk microbiology.
The human body is crazy. If you look at what the human body can handle, it is remarkable. When I contemplate on the design of the body, I see a beautiful symphony that coordinates together creating a masterpiece. This makes me want to honor the body I was given.
My question now is: how would I start honoring my body? From the preliminary studies I have done, a key player is the health and diversity of the gut.
I have been learning how everything comes down to the gut. It is where some instincts , cravings, and feelings come from. Like many other things, the microbiome in your belly is also in charge of serotonin production. Serotonin, or the “happy chemical,” is what impacts decision making. When there isn’t enough serotonin produced in your brain, you are more likely to make impulsive decisions. This can mean doing impulsive things. In my case, I make the impulsive decision not to do things.
Your gut is in charge of creating over 50% of all dopamine in your body. This chemical is connected to motivation. If your gut ecosystem is not healthy, you will not create enough dopamine. This in turn will keep you from being motivated to make decisions for your long term health, not just short term desires. Dopamine is also responsible for the reward sensations that release in things like completing a task or doing something that is good for you.
I am super curious about this since I have a hard time doing things that are good for me or that make me feel better, like going outside. I also do not have many “feel good” feelings after completing tasks or eating foods so as far as that goes, I think my diet (specifically gut health) might be the answer. Regardless of if it does what I want or not, it is worth exploring.
So my question would be this: what does it look like to take care of this microbiome?
It seems taking a probiotic, either through drink, food, or supplement, will help level these things out. I read it can take up to 12 weeks for the bacteria to “complete their work,” so to speak. Foods can be anything fermented. This includes sauerkraut, yogurt, milk kefir, water kefir, and kombucha. There is more but this is just the common ones.
If you do take a probiotic, include more fiber into your diet as well. Introducing beneficial bacteria is a good start but if you don’t give them anything to feed on, they won’t be able to do their job efficiently. These foods include vegetables, legumes, and nuts. You can take a supplement but research seems to show if they do anything at all, it won’t be nearly enough. Eating whole foods is the way to go on this one.
Recap:
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria.
Beneficial bacteria creates optimal environments for dopamine and serotonin production.
Prebiotics are what the bacteria feed on.
Take care of your body and it will take care of you.
I am going to genuinely try this as a challenge for 12 weeks to see how this affects my mood and motivation. I plan to update each week to see what this does for me. I bought water kefir grains from Jungle Jim's, the brand was ‘Cultures for Health.’ I have activated them and they seem to be doing good. I am going on vacation but starting next Friday I will be drinking my probiotic and eating prebiotic foods. If anyone else decides to go this route with me let me know! I know 12 weeks seems like a lot but I believe in you guys.
Good luck and take care,
Jacqueline Marie
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