Since anywhere between 50-70% of the immune system surrounds the gut, and the immune system effects your mental health, it always worth checking in on gut symptoms such as:
- A history of constipation
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- Reflux
- Bloating
- Belching
- Food sitting in your stomach too long after eating
- Other gastrointestinal complaints
Diet and Brain Chemistry
Such conditions indicate a compromised immune system, which in turn effects brain neurochemistry (production of serotonin is reduced, potentially toxic levels of glutamate, with increased anxiety, sleep problems, irritability, fatigue).
Motivation and Medication
Hopefully, understanding the connection between your diet and brain chemistry problems will motivate you to follow the program outlined above. Aside from feeling and functioning better, attending to your diet is one way to avoid, reduce or eliminate using medication, depending on your overall health condition. This is something to discuss with your physician.
Good Results
The good news is that GI problems are correctible more than 90% of the time using the 4R Program: remove, replace, repair, and re-inoculate. It is a great way for you to create your own customized diet for your particular biochemistry, and be healthier as a result.