Many of us go to a yoga class, get a massage, talk to friends and exercise to regulate our moods. They are all wonderful and effective self care tools. But how about our gut? Our gut microbiome (made up of bacteria, fungi, and viruses) may be the key to health and happiness!

Research is increasingly suggesting that gut health influences our thoughts and feelings. The gut is made up of over 100 trillion microbes which aid digestion and metabolism, ward off infection and produce vitamins. More and more scientists are treating it as an organ in its own right. These microbes also produce neurochemicals that influence our brain and change our moods.

Foods that support a healthy gut include organic asparagus, carrots, broccoli, leafy greens, garlic, and turmeric. Probiotics are also key to regaining the balance of good gut bacteria (particularly after a course of antibiotics you may have taken if you get sick over winter).

Alternatively, add yoghurt to your smoothie or muesli in the morning, layer some saurkraut to your sandwich, or heat up some warming miso soup on a cold evening! Tucking into soft cheeses is also (not only delicious), but beneficial to good gut health.

This is our considered but brief and light introduction to the topic. For further information please check out:

http://www.nature.com/news/the-tantalizing-links-between-gut-microbes-and-the-brain-1.18557

https://chopra.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-mood-with-a-healthy-gut