Have Anxiety? Listen To Your Gut

Have you ever been told to “listen to your gut?” Modern studies have demonstrated that there’s actually a lot of truth to that saying! We have come to learn that your gut is intricately connected to your brain. Anything that happens in your gut can have an impact on the way you feel emotionally and mentally.

The Gut-Brain Connection

The gut-brain connection has become clearer in recent years as experts uncover more evidence of how gut health plays a role in our overall mental well-being. For instance, research is showing that probiotics - beneficial bacteria found in our gut - may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This could be because probiotics have an effect on neurotransmitter production, which affects our emotions.

Additionally, inflammation caused by gastrointestinal bacteria imbalance could lead to depression and other mental health issues. However, while diet plays a key role in your gut health, it’s important to understand that gut health can also be impacted by your environment, lifestyle and stress levels. Ultimately, everything is interconnected.

How to Improve Your Gut Health

To improve your gut health, try incorporating probiotics into your daily diet by consuming foods like:

  • yogurt

  • kimchi

  • sauerkraut

  • apple cider vinegar

  • cottage cheese

You should also increase your intake of prebiotic-rich foods, such as:

  • garlic

  • onions

  • bananas

  • asparagus

  • flax seeds

The following lifestyle changes can also help maintain gut balance and mental well-being:

  • Reduce stress.

  • Get enough sleep.

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Stay hydrated.

Next Steps for a Healthier You

As it turns out, “listening to your gut” can be more than just a metaphor. Taking care of your gut can help you protect your mental health and keep your brain in tip-top shape.

At Anderson Longevity Clinic, we provide specific testing for gut health to help you target your body’s specific needs. Staying in touch with a provider who understands gastrointestinal health will help you stay on top of your gut health, which will ultimately keep you mentally sharp and happy!

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Gut Health & Autoimmune Diseases

Gut health and autoimmune diseases go hand in hand. It is no secret that the gut microbiome plays a major role in autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto's and Grave's Disease. This is because the autoimmune system works closely with our gut microbiome to maintain balance within our body.

What is a Microbiome?

A microbiome is a community of microorganisms living within any habitat. Our gut microbiome lives within our gastrointestinal system and helps regulate our immune responses, as well as provide protection against pathogens. When something goes wrong, autoimmune diseases can arise. For this reason, maintaining a healthy microbiome within your gastrointestinal system is essential to keeping your autoimmune system functioning properly.

Your Gut and Your Brain

A lesser-known fact about the gastrointestinal system is its impact on brain health! A healthy gut will improve your mood, focus and overall mental well-being. This is due to the fact that neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, are produced in the digestive tract. In other words: when your gut is happy, your brain is happy.

Feeding Your Gut

Research shows that certain lifestyle changes, like eating probiotic-rich foods and avoiding processed or sugary foods, can have a positive impact on your autoimmune system. Eating plenty of gluten-free whole grains, fruits, vegetables and probiotics can help reduce inflammation in the gut, yielding an improved autoimmune response.

Take Care of Your Gut

Understanding how gut health can affect autoimmune thyroid diseases is key to living a healthier life. By maintaining an autoimmune-friendly diet and making sure your microbiome is balanced, you can optimize the function of your body and mind!

If you are struggling with autoimmune thyroid disease, and are looking to improve your autoimmune health, start with gut health. Be sure to contact a healthcare provider who understands gut health and holistic treatment. Doing so can tremendously improve your health and well-being!

2 Reasons Why Men Are Losing Testosterone Early

When it comes to men's health, testosterone levels should be one of the first things that gets checked. So why do so many men have lower-than-normal testosterone these days? The answer lies in our modern lifestyle.

1. Plastic

It turns out plastics are a major cause of declining testosterone levels. Plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can interfere with the production of hormones in the body. With plastics lurking just about everywhere, including within our food and water packaging, it’s no wonder that high concentrations of these chemicals are often found in humans today.

2. Exposure

Plastics are not the only culprits; exposure to pollutants and pesticides can also disrupt the normal production of testosterone. The way we live today is full of exposures to these chemicals, from air pollution to contaminated food sources.

Other factors, like aging and lifestyle choices, can also contribute to a decrease in testosterone levels. Fortunately, there are treatment options, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), that can help restore healthy hormone levels in men.

What’s Next?

Overall, plastics and exposure are two of the main reasons why modern day men are losing testosterone prematurely. However, with a few lifestyle changes and an understanding of the possible replacement options, men can restore their testosterone to a healthy level.

Anderson Longevity Clinic specializes in testosterone replacement and can help you find the right treatment plan to replenish your testosterone levels. If you believe you are have low testosterone, rest assured knowing there's hope! With the right treatment, your testosterone can be rebalanced, giving you a healthier and improved quality of life.