The microbes that live in your gut actually influence your feelings and behaviors. The sensations such as “trust your gut”, “gut-wrenching”, “butterflies in your stomach”, and “your gut feeling” are all based on science.

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microbes that directly communicate with your brain along the gut-brain axis, also known as the vagus nerve. We initially thought the brain was doing most of the talking in this relationship, but new gut microbiome research indicates that your microbes are quite chatty.

Your gut microbiome communicates by creating and consuming the majority of your body’s neurotransmitters. Do you know serotonin is your “happy” neurotransmitter? Over 90% of your body’s serotonin is made by your gut microbiome.

In fact, a change in the composition of your gut microbes has been shown to significantly affect: your mood your pain tolerance, your cognitive performance, your behavior, your mental health. You have heard “You are what you eat “–An added benefit of a happy gut is to lower your bad cholesterol. Here are the top five food to lower your bad cholesterol and have a happy gut: oatmeal, beans, raw nuts garlic, and artichokes. So, keep your microbiomes in your gut happy and reap the rewards!