Did you know that your gut health is linked to your mental health?

Yes, there really is a connection between healthy gut flora and better mood. The health of your gut flora has a direct effect not only on your mental health but your weight as well. The gut-brain axis connects the brain to the digestive tract and can affect the immune system, hormones, and eating patterns. Studies have shown that an unhealthy gut flora can lead to obesity by affecting hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

When we are depressed, our bodies become inflamed and our digestive systems suffer. If we're not digesting our food properly, this can cause more inflammation in the body which leads to more feeling not so good, mentally and physically. 

The relationship between gut health and depression is complicated, but there are some very clear ways in which the two can be connected. If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, it’s worth looking into how your gut health may be linked to these symptoms.

The good news is: the right diet can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even help with OCD and ADHD. You can help improve your chances of reducing symptoms by eating foods that promote good bacteria growth in your body and avoiding processed foods with artificial ingredients (such as sugar). These are called Pre and Probiotics. Prebiotic foods (whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes) act as food for healthy gut bacteria. Probiotic foods like yogurt are full of good bacteria already.

Here's a list of foods to try:

Beans
Lentils
Dried fruits
Whole grains
Fresh fruits
Nuts
Seeds
Vegetables
Fermented soy foods, such as tempeh, miso and natto
Kimchi 
Kombucha
Sauerkraut 
Yogurt, both dairy and non-dairy