Yoghurt could make you happy, science says

Researchers have discovered a new gut-brain link, proving what you eat could make you happier.

When we’re feeling ‘hangry’ (hungry x angry) food can calm us and make us feel normal again. The reason is simple; eating restores our blood sugar levels and helps fuel our biochemical processes we use in everyday life. 

What scientists didn’t know until recently though, is the delicate balance of microbes in your gut can determine your happiness.

Inside your gut is a hugely dynamic, varied ecosystem with thousands of bacteria and teeny tiny little organisms called microbes. These little guys have a symbiotic relationship with you, their host, and you live happily alongside one another. When the balance of microbes is off though, it could mean you have low levels of vital happiness-regulators and neurotransmitters like seratonin.

Did you know the highest concentration of seratonin is actually in your gut?

Probitics have been found to have effects on both seratonin levels and GABA levels, another powerful neurotransmitter.

In other words, yoghurt could make you happy!

One study says “These results provide the first evidence that the intake of probiotics may help reduce negative thoughts associated with sad mood. Probiotics supplementation warrants further research as a potential preventive strategy for depression.”

Not everyone’s convinced yet though. Almost all the studies exciting the science world are based on mice rather than humans, so there’s still a long way to go. 

Could probiotics help fight depression?

But! Since the highest level of concentration of seratonin is in your gut rather than your brain, it makes sense that depression and anxiety can be treated by dietary changes, not just pharmaceutical intervention.

This natural approach could have hugely positive implications for everyday people suffering from mental disorders, and could even help you when you’re feeling a bit blue.

To understand more about how your gut health can affect your brain, check out this podcast by Radiolab http://www.radiolab.org/story/197242-gut-feelings/

Need more wellness inspo? Need help staying on track with your wellness goals? Join my April Wellness Challenge!

Accidentally Anxious Part 1

My article for US activewear and wellness hub Live the Process is live!

Below is the first part of this important article, enjoy!

-Caitlin xo

Although we may not always realize it, many of us are stuck in a cycle of perpetual anxiety.

Between being swamped at work, juggling relationships and trying to maintain our health and well-being, our anxiety rates are increasing—affecting as much as 10 percent of the population in Western countries.

How can we combat this problem?

Our Busy Lifestyles

Everyone is busy. Whether you’re a single, working man juggling dating, friends, the gym and work or a working mum, busy with that set of a million responsibilities, no one has time. Or do we?

Health and wellness thought leaders are pointing to “perceived urgency” as the culprit of anxiety caused by busyness.

Creating endless “to-do” lists, making unrealistic commitments to relationships and friends and trying to cram in too many yoga classes or appointments leaves you feeling overwhelmed and unsuccessful because you can’t live up to your own expectations. Add to that the unrealistic demands of bosses and clients based on the trend of “next day delivery” and we’re all left gasping for air. If everything is urgent, nothing can ever be prioritized, and the list is never finished.

Try This: Instead of an endless to-do list, prioritize only three urgent tasks and leave the rest for another day. You’re likely to actually manage that amount of responsibility, which helps relieve the mental stress of a streaming to-do list.