The “Happy Gut = Happy Me” formula

Bloated, constipated, frustrated, irritated, tired – don’t quite feel like yourself?

Did you know that a healthy gut can make you happier?

The key is serotonin, a.k.a. “happy hormone”.

Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter which is responsible for happiness and mood.

It is estimated that about 90 percent of serotonin in the body is in your gut.

Yes,  NINETY PERCENT. The gut is a big contributor to your happiness.

3 BASIC STEPS FOR “HAPPY GUT = HAPPY ME”

Imagine that your gut is a vegetable garden.

You are planning to have a perfect garden producing leafy greens and colourful root vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals.

What you need to do first is: remove weeds and add good quality soil for the future crops.

The same principle can apply to your digestive system.

In order to produce the optimal levels of serotonin (= the crops), try this 3 step “Happy Gut = Happy Me” formula.

Step 1: Say goodbye to things which no longer serve for you

Step 2: Prepare good garden soil for planting

Step 3: Fertilize the soil

The “HAPPY GUT = HAPPY ME” formula

Step 1: Reduce the number of drugs from your medicine cabinet

Try to reduce the number of drugs such as antibiotics and acid blockers unless they are absolutely necessary; they are NOT good friends of the tiny organism in your gut. So, ditch them and focus on boosting your immune system with a balanced diet, proper amount of sleep and regular exercise instead.

Step 2: Probiotics: making good garden soil

There are about 100 trillion organisms, good and bad ones, living in your digestive system mostly within your gut. Yes, it is a lot!  Keeping the optimal percentage of friendly bacteria in the digestive system is very important for your body to produce serotonin.

How?

Try to incorporate foods rich in probiotics into your diet such as:

• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Natto (made from fermented  organic soybeans)
• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickled vegetables and kombucha
• Cultured condiments such as miso

Step 3: Prebiotics: fertilize the soil

There are two types of dietary fibre: soluble and insoluble. Both of them pass all the way through the small intestine undigested, increase the bulk in the intestine and push the sludge out of your body. Soluble fibre (prebiotics) is a specialized dietary fibre which your body cannot digest but your gut bacteria LOVE to eat. Remember that your friendly gut bacteria cannot be fed quality foods unless you choose to eat. Here is a list of STAR soluble fibre foods for you and your gut:

• Avocados
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Chia seeds
• Dandelion greens
• Lentils
• Oatmeal
• Strawberries
• Psyllium

The important thing is to take action and implement by choosing right wholesome foods for Happy Gut = Happy You.

By the way, don’t forget to stay hydrated!