More Kissing, Less Kimchi: Gut Health Boosters
- Here's a breakdown of the gut health information from the provided text:
- * Dark chocolate (75% cocoa or higher) is beneficial due to polyphenols.
- * The vagus nerve is a key communication pathway between the brain and gut.
Here’s a breakdown of the gut health information from the provided text:
Chocolate & gut Health:
* Dark chocolate (75% cocoa or higher) is beneficial due to polyphenols. These compounds:
* Feed good gut microbes.
* Act as antioxidants in the gut.
* Chocolate is made from fermented beans, contributing to its gut-pleasant properties. It can count towards yoru “30 plants a week.”
* Dark chocolate also contains healthy minerals, fiber, and micronutrients.
* Recommended brands: Lindt Excellence dark 85% Cocoa and Green & Black’s Organic Dark 85% Chocolate (choose options with few ingredients).
Vagus Nerve & Gut Health:
* The vagus nerve is a key communication pathway between the brain and gut.
* Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters that stimulate the vagus nerve.
* Higher vagal tone (nerve activity) is linked to:
* More diverse and balanced gut microbiomes.
* Impaired vagus nerve can contribute to gut issues like:
* Slowed gut motility (food movement).
* Reduced digestive juice release.
* Stimulating the vagus nerve (in medical settings) may:
* Influence gut motility.
* Improve microbial balance.
* Control inflammation.
* Boost immune function.
* Simple ways to stimulate the vagus nerve:
* Gargling
* Singing
* Laughing