Seasonal Affective Disorder
October 31, 2024
- (425) 785-5504
- drlaara@drlaaravanbryce.com
- 1750 112th Ave NE Ste E165 Bellevue WA 98004
What if I told you that the chronic health issues you’ve been struggling with—whether it’s anxiety, depression, constant fatigue, or even insomnia—might all be traced back to one overlooked source? Your gut.
It sounds surprising, right? But your gut, often called your “second brain,” has a powerful influence over nearly every aspect of your well-being.
Imagine if you could finally take control of your emotions, energy, and overall health by focusing on one crucial part of your body: your gut.
You see, your gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s deeply connected to your brain, influencing everything from your mood and memory to your immune system.
In this video, I’m going to reveal how addressing your gut health could be the missing piece in your fight against chronic issues like inflammation, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
If you’ve been battling mood swings, digestive problems like leaky gut, or even memory issues, you’re not alone. These are common symptoms of an imbalanced gut microbiome, and the truth is, that many people suffer silently because they don’t realize the connection.
But here’s the good news: improving your gut health is not only possible—it’s easier and safer than you might think.
And that’s what this blog is all about. As you read, you’ll discover simple, actionable steps that you can take to heal your gut, which in turn will improve your overall health. These tips are designed to restore balance to your gut-brain axis, meaning you’ll not only feel better physically but also mentally and emotionally. You can feel more focused, energetic, and emotionally balanced—all by making a few changes to support your gut health.
And here’s why you should stick around until the end of this blog: I’ll be sharing a resource where you can access targeted lab tests that can help you get to the root of persistent health issues. If you’ve been following the recommendations in this blog but still aren’t feeling your best, these tests could be the key to unlocking answers. I’ll guide you to a website that offers a comprehensive stool analysis, a SIBO test, and a neurotransmitter test.
These tests provide detailed insights into the health of your gut microbiome, identifying imbalances, infections, or deficiencies that could be contributing to your chronic health issues. Armed with this knowledge, you can take targeted steps toward restoring your gut health and improving your overall well-being.
I’ll explain everything in easy-to-understand terms, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost in medical jargon.
So, if you’re ready to finally get to the root of your chronic health issues and start feeling better, keep reading. This could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Hi. I’m Dr. Laara Van Bryce, a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner. I combine the best of traditional and alternative medicine, using a thorough approach to understand your health needs. My mission is to help you live your best life by supporting your journey to optimal health and wellness.
What is the Gut-Brain Axis?
The gut-brain axis refers to the complex communication network that links the gut and the brain. This connection involves multiple systems in the body, including the nervous system, the immune system, and the endocrine (hormonal) system. Here’s how it works:
#1 Nervous System: The gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, which allows for direct communication. This may surprise you, but the gut has its own nervous system, which can operate independently of the brain but it also sends signals to the brain and is known as the enteric nervous system. This is why the gut is often referred to as the “second brain.”
#2 Microbiome: The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms, collectively known as your gut microbiome. These microbes play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even the production of neurotransmitters which are chemicals that influence your mood and cognition. For example, a large portion of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects your mood and your sense of well-being, is produced in the gut.
#3 Immune System: The gut houses a significant portion of the body’s immune cells. These cells help protect the body from pathogens and also influence the level of inflammation you have in your body, which will affect both your gut and brain health.
#4 Endocrine System: Hormones produced in the gut can influence brain function. For instance, hormones like cortisol (which is released in response to stress) can affect gut health, and conversely, hormones produced in the gut can influence your brain function and mood.
#5 Bi-Directional Communication: The communication between the gut and brain is two-way. Just as your brain can affect your gut function (e.g., stress leading to digestive issues), your gut can also send signals to your brain that affect your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health and well-being.
As you can see, the gut is a central player in your overall health and well-being. It’s not just about digesting food—it’s about maintaining a balanced, healthy body and mind. When your gut is in good shape, it can positively impact everything from your digestion to your mood, to your energy levels, to your immune system, and even your mental clarity.
That’s why understanding and taking care of your gut health is so important. By focusing on the gut-brain axis, you can unlock the key to feeling better both physically and mentally. Whether you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, mood swings, or cognitive challenges, addressing your gut health could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
So What Can Disrupt Your Gut Health and the Gut-Brain Axis?
When these factors disrupt gut health, they can lead to a breakdown in the gut-brain axis, which can manifest as a wide range of symptoms—from poor digestion to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Addressing these disruptors is key to restoring balance and improving your overall health.
To improve gut health and support your gut-brain axis, consider these strategies:
Order your tests here.
Taking care of your gut is one of the most powerful things you can do for your overall health and well-being. By implementing these strategies, you can start to heal your gut, improve your mood, boost your energy, and enhance your mental clarity. Remember, small, consistent changes can lead to big improvements in how you feel every day.
Now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s one thing you’re struggling with that you think might be connected to your gut health? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation.
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