🧠 Gut Health = Mental Health Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s your second brain. Over 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, and it plays a key role in how your brain feels and functions. Why? Because the gut and brain are connected via the gut-brain axis, a communication superhighway linking emotions, cognition, and even immunity. 🦠 What Keeps Your Gut Healthy? Your gut is home to trillions of microbes (called the gut microbiota). A balanced microbiota: Helps digest food efficiently Produces vitamins like B12 and K Regulates mood hormones like serotonin (over 90% of which is made in the gut!) Builds immunity and fights infections ✅ What to Eat for a Healthy Gut Daily habits that nourish your gut microbes: Curd or homemade yogurt (rich in probiotics) Fermented foods like kanji, idli, dosa, pickle, kefir, kimchi Fiber-rich fruits such as bananas, apples, papaya, and pomegranate Whole grains like oats, millets, and brown rice These feed the “good bacteria” and promote a diverse microbiome. 🚫 What Harms Your Gut? Overuse of antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria Refined sugars, fried foods, and sodas disrupt gut flora balance High stress levels can lead to poor digestion and gut inflammation Skipping meals or binge eating confuses your gut rhythm 🩺 When to Be Alert? Doctors advise observing these signs: Frequent bloating or gas Fatigue even after adequate rest Irregular bowel movements or acidity Mood swings, anxiety, or brain fog These may indicate an imbalanced gut. Early correction through diet and lifestyle can prevent larger issues. 👨‍⚕️ What Doctors Recommend Start your day with lukewarm water + lemon Include at least one fermented or probiotic-rich item daily Maintain a regular eating schedule Consider a gut detox (under medical guidance) if symptoms persist For mental wellness, treat your gut as seriously as your brain