Infographic: The Key to a Healthy Brain Is a Healthy Digestive System

You may remember a very nifty infographic covering one of our favorite topics: neuroplasticity. Some of the same folks who put that image together have created another helpful visual for understanding the fascinating link between mind and body. This time the topic is “Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind.” The basic gist: There’s a keen physiological link between the brain and digestive system. Here’s how Dr. Helene M. Savignac, an expert in neuropsychology, cognitive, and behavioral science, explains it:

“Scientists are now revealing that there is a strong link between what happens in the gut and the brain. The bacteria that reside in the gut appear to play an important role and are able to communicate with the central nervous system notably through neural, endocrine, and immune pathways. By influencing the balance and types of bacteria present, studies show that it may be possible to lower stress, [and] affect cognition/brain processes and mood.” 

The graphic below runs through the brain/gut connection as wells as offers strategies for taking an active role in managing your digestive health.

Infographic produced by Bimuno.

For additional reading on how managing your digestive system can simultaneously boost your immune system, check out this study in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Top image credit: Tijana87 / Getty iStock

Below, author and food activist Nina Planck talks about the kinds of foods you should eat when pregnant in order to maximize health for both you and the unborn child.