Join me on the 20th of May, when I’ll be teaching a masterclass on a topic that orchestrates much of our wellbeing: the gut-brain connection. This bond has the elegance of a waltz and the complexity of an orchestra. It is also the subject of my doctoral research and I am hugely passionate about it, for the very reason that the pathways connecting mind and body reveal a narrative that is as compelling as it is critical to our health.

An infographic that summarises the kind of stuff I’ll be talking about in my masterclass on 20th May at 1pm (UK time). I hope to see you there!

The Gut-Brain Connection Masterclass is now available on demand for you to learn at your own pace.

A Harmonious Duo

Your gut, often referred to as our "second brain," communicates with your actual brain in a bi-directional manner. A lot of this communication happens via the vagus nerve, a sort of biological internet cable, transmitting messages that influence your emotional state, your decision-making, and even your view of the world. Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, and hormones like cortisol and adrenaline also play a role in the messaging that goes up and down the spine and through your bloodstream.

Imagine your gut as a garden. In an idyllic setting, it's teeming with diversity. Each microorganism is a bloom of colour contributing to the vitality of the entire ecosystem. The foods you choose to put in your shopping basket are the seeds you sow in this garden. Whole foods, rich in fibre and polyphenols, are the heirloom seeds that yield a robust and vibrant gut flora. Fermented foods - like kefir or tempeh - on the other hand, are like the old gardening wisdom passed down through generations. They are a lovely way to introduce beneficial microbes into your system, helping it maintain its balance.

When your gut is a thriving garden, you reap the benefits of good digestion, steady energy levels, and a serene mood. There's a reason we associate a calm gut with happiness. It's a reflection of a balanced, nutrient-rich environment that fosters physical health and mental wellbeing.

The Discordant Tune

Conversely, a garden untended succumbs to weeds and pests. In the context of our gut, these are the ultra-processed foods, the lack of dietary fibre, and the overuse of antibiotics. They disrupt the harmony, leading to a less diverse gut microbiome and, consequently, a barrier not quite so robust.

The effects resonate beyond physical discomfort. A distressed gut can send signals of alarm to the brain, contributing to a state of agitation or sadness. This will affect anyone regardless of their neurotype, but scientists - including yours truly - agree that it may also exacerbate the challenges faced by autistic people and/or those with ADHD as well as other neurodivergences, underscoring the profound impact of our dietary choices.

Cultivating Harmony

So, how do we cultivate a harmonious gut-brain relationship?

It starts with mindfulness. And yes, I know it sounds vague, but it is absolutely necessary nevertheless. A healthy gut-brain connection requires mindfulness of our stress levels, our sleep patterns, and our exercise habits. In addition, nourishing thoughts and relationships are as crucial to our gut's wellbeing as the food we eat.

Imagine managing stress through guided meditations as tending to your garden, ensuring it's not choked by the weeds of anxiety. Picture a good night's sleep as a gentle rain, vital for the growth and resilience of your internal flora. And envision exercise as the sun, essential for vitality and growth. Does that make a little more sense now? I hope it does. But worry not! I will be discussing this in plenty of detail in my upcoming masterclass on the gut-brain connection on Monday 20th May at 1pm (UK time).

The Dance Continues

My goal with this brief post was to say for the nth time that every step matters in the dance of the gut-brain connection. The foods you eat, the thoughts you entertain, and the love you share are the music to which your body sways. In my masterclass, I will explore how to compose a melody that resonates with health and joy.

I hope you can make it because I look forward to sharing this dance with you.

Dr Miguel 🙏🏽🎶