IS OUR GUT REALLY OUR SECOND BRAIN? By Holistic Nutritionist Kate Spina
“The impact of our gut health on our overall health and wellbeing has received a lot of publicity lately and deservedly so.
While we have known of gut bacteria’s connection to gut health for many years, the influence of our gut bacteria on other aspects of our health, especially our mental state, is a more recent discovery. Now scientists talk of our gut as our "second brain” and study the communications of our gut-brain axis and its effects on other parts of our body outside of our digestive system.
This sort of research is incredibly interesting and exciting in its potential. Did you know that your gut bacteria can tell me if you are more likely to be obese or lean, get certain cancers, how likely you are to get colds and flu, if you have diabetes or are more predisposed to high blood pressure? Did you know that certain strains of bacteria may be a contributing factor to many mental conditions?
As a nutritionist, the potential for food and probiotics to make a powerful difference here is exciting stuff and very empowering for my clients.
So I am spreading the word and running a Gut Health/Mind Health workshop at 6.30pm Thursday, 28th June (free for members) with Keiran Barry where we will talk about the latest research on the gut-brain axis, help you identify what gut imbalances you might have, discuss how to get your gut filled with the bacteria you need, how to keep them happy and healthy and what we can learn from zombie ants (yes, zombie ants!).
During the month of August I am focusing on gut health in my practice and personally. I will be offering $50 half hour consults for people who really want to give a boost to their microbiome to address specific conditions or simply before Spring. Book in at reception or via the app and mention or note the 30 minute Gut Health consult. In the meantime, Eat Well, Be Well!"