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The gut-brain connection: How it affects your mental health

What you eat has a direct impact on your mental health. Surprised to know? Read on to find out more about it.
Your gut and mind have a strong link. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Ankita Dinesh Gupta Published: 14 May 2021, 10:30 am IST
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There is an increasing population today that is largely suffering from mental illnesses. More than 10 percent of people are suffering from some kind of issue. Don’t worry we are not here to talk about the problem, but the solution. To deal with various mental illnesses, the world is looking towards India and Ayurveda.

Your microbiome — the diverse populace of organisms (microorganisms) that live in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract assumes a significant part in the soundness of your gut, and in different parts of your actual wellbeing, from severe skin problems to obesity.

Most of us have seen how we feel sick to our stomachs, and that feeling is gut wrenching, isn’t it? That’s because your gut responds to emotional signals from your brain and vice versa. This is what is known as the mind-gut connection

Your gut and mental health are interrelated. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Ways to improve your mental health

Give yourself importance

Treat yourself with thoughtfulness and regard, and stay away from self-analysis. Set aside a few minutes for your most-loved tasks, or expand your perspectives. Engage daily in a crossword puzzle, plant a nursery, take dance classes, figure out how to play an instrument or become familiar with another dialect.

Deal with your body 

Dealing with your body can improve your psychological wellness. Make sure to:

  • Consume nutritious meals 
  • Abstain from smoking and vaping 
  • Drink a lot of water 
  • Exercise, which helps decline melancholy and tension, and improves your state of mind 
  • Get sufficient rest. 
What causes dosha imbalance?

Certain life variables can exacerbate vata dosha. For instance, late hours, sporadic timetables, cold climate, a lot of work and an undesirable eating routine would all be able to prompt a lopsidedness of vata dosha. Here are a couple of basic Ayurvedic cures that can help quiet your uneasiness by adjusting your doshas.

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Food

Try and consume food that helps to increase the life span. Chyawanprash, dry fruits, walnuts, milk, rice , jowar, bajra and any other healthy food that contains all the nutrients.

In short, your food must include liquids and water like dal rice, and different curries that are tasty. It should contain some fat like ghee. Different vegetables, milk, fruits, citrus fruits, cow milk, ghee, butter milk are also good for the heart, and must be necessarily consumed. 

Here are some therapies you can try out:

1. Panchakarma therapies 

– Panchakarma therapies like shirodhara and nasya help in managing mental disorders.

– Ayurveda, adhyatma and yoga are effective. Not only do they cure mental disorders, but can also help in miracles of the human mind.

Make sure you’re feeling your soul and not your tongue.

2. Aromatherapy 

Use aromatherapy to calm down and unwind after a long day. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Certain fragrances have a quieting impact on the vata dosha. You can add basil, orange, clove and lavender oil in your diffuser or clean up by blending a couple of drops in water and unwind.

You could also try alternate nose breathing. Substitute nose breathing, additionally called pranayama mitigates the sensory system, assuages nervousness and quiets the body and mind.

Dr Ankita Dinesh Gupta

Dr Ankita Dinesh Gupta is an ayurveda consultant with Birla Ayurveda. ...Read More

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