To be more scientific: the gut produces 90% of the serotonin in the body.

And serotonin is the “feel-good” or “happiness” hormone.

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Serotonin's role in mental health:

We need abundant serotonin to forgive ourselves and others, meditate, or fall in love again.

We need serotonin to stay in love, to wake up to the same person every morning and discover something new about them. So, it's crucial for healthy relationships.

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How come? The Gut-Brain Connection

1. Serotonin has a crucial role in developing the region of the brain called the neocortex, where learning and higher emotions (e.g. love, altruism) can be experienced.
2. Serotonin also enhances the growth of neurons in the region of the brain called the hippocampus which enables us to be open to new experiences.
3. Also, in the evening, with the changing light, our pineal gland converts serotonin into melatonin to signal the brain that it’s time to sleep.

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CRAZY, isn’t it?

If the flora in our gut is damaged (with sugar, processed food, alcohol, drugs),

it won’t produce serotonin, and we are unable to balance our mood, forgive with ease, love fully, or go after new experiences.

This is why the subject of GUT HEALTH is becoming more and more important in the mental health space.

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So, I will leave you with my top 3 practical gut-oriented tips for more happiness:

1. Intermittent fasting, so the gut bacteria gets time to rest;
2. Prolonged fasting for 24h, 48h, 72h - so the gut bacteria can repair itself and restore its integrity;

• I did a few 3-day water fasts and I experienced such peacefulness in my mind - like never before (it was also challenging but that's for another time);

3. Choose more often to have fermented foods like pickles, tomatoes, kimchi, and even apple cider vinegar is included here too!

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All the best,

Elena

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