Mental Health and Chewing – What’s the Link?
Gut health and mental health tend to go hand in hand. The complexity of neurotransmitters is a blend of utter precision and flexible allotments; it is the interplay and communication of these receptors that determine our sense of wellbeing. Thoughts are composed of our interpretation of the chemical/electrical/photonic messengers of information that relate to our hormonal production, influencing emotions. We may not be able to ‘think’ ourselves well, but we can use our thoughts to make healthier and better choices for ourselves leading to being our best selves.
Chewing is one such action. Serotonin is popular for its role in producing what we understand to be happy or contented feelings. The gut is the major producer of serotonin and by nourishing the gut, production levels can be checked and balanced as needed. The microflora that dominates in the mass number of living cells in the gut also works in conjunction with the gut-associated lymphatic tissue as another integral player in overall wellbeing. By chewing well the environment of the gut becomes a hospitable home for the life-enhancing flora that contributes to the immune system, making and delivering nutrients, and partaking a remarkable role in intuition.
Nutritionally, chewing well liberates more minerals, vitamins, lipids, proteins, and fibers from the foods you eat. This includes choline, for example, a substance that the body can use to produce acetylcholine -a chemical that supports digestion and brain function.
Chewing is an empowering action that comes with a mindful sense of self-care. It enhances the pleasure of food, mediates better digestion, aids the complexes of neurotransmitter production and management, and ultimately is a simple yet effective tool for any and all mental health concerns.
