5% of our serotonin, the key neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and creating general sense of well-being, is made in your gut. Serotonin is also intricately involved in numerous core physical processes such as the regulation of sleep, appetite, and aggression. Imbalances in serotonin, particularly relative to norepinephrine and dopamine, are common causes of certain types of depression.

When mood and mental health slip, doing something about it as early as possible can keep the change from getting worse or becoming permanent. Treating conditions like depression and anxiety improve quality of life. Learning to manage stress makes for more satisfying and productive days.

There are many ways to keep your mind and mood in optimal shape. Exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques like meditation or mindfulness can keep your brain — and your body — in tip-top shape.

Diet plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy gut. Try consuming probiotic and fibre rich foods you can help restore your gut microbes. Some of these include cheese, kefir, certain types of yogurts, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

Alternately you can opt to take a daily supplement that contains probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes.

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS, PREBIOTICS + DIGESTIVE ENZYMES, AND HOW DO THEY BENEFIT ME?

Probiotics are “good” bacteria that populate your gut, helping with digestion, weight loss, and THE absorption of nutrients.

Prebiotics help “feed” the good bacteria in your gut, so that they thrive.

Digestive Enzymes help break down all food in your gut, and help extract nutrients. They can assist with bloating and breaking down hard-to-digest foods.

Taking a combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes can help break down food, absorb its nutrients, create a natural protective layer of bacteria, and “feed” the good bacteria.

By restoring the good bacteria in your gut, you will ensure that your body is able to regulate the chemical reactions and produce all the necessary neurotransmitters like serotonin.

This is the first and most vital step to regulating your mood on your journey to being a healthier and happier you!