TRYBE Tales - Weekly Wellness Edition

Wellness Wisdom Drops

FROM TRYBE

“Your gut is not Las Vegas. What happens in the gut does not stay in the gut.” - Dr. Alessio Fasano

Some food for thought 💡(quite literally, food for thought)

🧠 The Hard Stuff

Coined the Second Brain of the body, the Gut plays a huge role in our cognitive abilities. Think of the Brain and Gut as intertwined in a beautifully intricate dance, cha-cha-cha-ing in unison without skipping a beat - one leading and one following, although unclear to the observer who is quite in control (the very opposite look of everyone else on the dance floor).

But underneath this effortless dance there is an entire WORLD of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, microbes, and of course, the most fun guys on the block, fungi 🍄. A happy and balanced gut teaming with good bacteria talks to your brain (through the vagus nerve), affecting your mood, stress levels, and how well your brain works, all while keeping inflammation in check and helping you cope with stress. It’s not wonder they say you are what you eat.

The thing is, no one person’s microbiome is the same so a happy and balanced gut will look a bit different for each of us. The important thing is to adopt a diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics, which helps create a healthy mix of beneficial bacteria in the gut. And you know what they say, a balanced-bacteriaed-fungi-but-not-too-fungi-microbiome-not-in-strife is a happy life (they say that right?!).

🍦 The Soft Stuff

Did you have a gut instinct that we were going to talk about gut instincts?! 🤯

The concept of a “gut instinct" is the idea that our gut/stomach can provide us with intuitive insights and feelings. While the exact origin is not known, this expression likely came from observations of the physical sensations people experience during moments of decision-making or uncertainty - like butterflies or the less glamorous option of knots.

The gut contains a vast network of neurons known as the enteric nervous system which is closely connected to our emotions and feelings. Over time, this connection between emotional responses and physical sensations led to the phrase "gut instinct."

While it's rooted in metaphor, modern research into the gut-brain axis and the influence of the gut microbiome on emotions and cognition explores the notion that there may be a real physiological basis for this intuitive connection - spookey! Real or not, I think we could all be a little nicer to our guts and maybe they’ll start sending us butterflies instead of knots 🦋

 1. Microbiome Test 🧠

Take an at home microbiome test, which analyzes the composition of bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut. These tests provide insights into the diversity and balance of your own gut microbiome and recommend and deliver the best mix of supplements to take. It’s like a custom workout plan for your gut.

Aside from the array of supplements you’ll be receiving at your door by understanding your unique microbiome profile, you can make informed dietary and lifestyle choices that support a healthier gut. Microbiome tests can also reveal any imbalances or potential issues that may be affecting your digestive health, allowing you to address them proactively. Here’s a few to get you going:
Viome
Ombre
Tiny Health (for babies)

 2. Probiotics 🧠🍦

Incorporating probiotics into your routine can contribute to a healthier gut by introducing beneficial bacteria. Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer various health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They help maintain a balanced gut microbiome by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the proliferation of harmful ones. Consider including probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut) or high-quality probiotic supplements. Remember that not all probiotics are the same, so choose strains that align with your gut health goals.

3. Food Tracker & Journal 🍦

Maintaining a food tracker journal can provide valuable insights into the relationship between your diet and your gut health. Record the foods you consume and take note of any digestive symptoms or changes in how you feel. This journaling process can help you identify patterns, triggers, and foods that may be contributing to gut discomfort or imbalances. With this information, you can make informed decisions about which foods to include, limit, or avoid to support a balanced gut. Over time, your journal can become a helpful tool for optimizing your dietary choices and promoting gut well-being.

What was one moment of intuition I followed lately that was right? How did it feel in my body?