🌱 The Gut-Brain Axis: Why Healing the Gut Improves Focus and Mood

Did you know that over 90% of serotonin—the “feel good” neurotransmitter—is made in the gut, not the brain?

This fascinating connection is called the gut-brain axis, and it’s reshaping how we think about mental health, ADHD, anxiety, and emotional regulation. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" for a reason—it communicates constantly with the brain via the vagus nerve, hormones, and microbial signals.

🦠 What Happens When the Gut Is Out of Balance?

A diet filled with sugar, seed oils, and processed grains can cause:

• Gut inflammation (leaky gut)
• Overgrowth of harmful bacteria
• Neurotransmitter imbalances (low serotonin, dopamine, GABA)
• Heightened anxiety, irritability, or mood swings

This can manifest in children as hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, or difficulty focusing.

🥩 Healing the Gut with Real Food

To repair and rebalance the gut, focus on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods like:

• Grass-fed red meat – Provides complete amino acids, zinc, and B vitamins to fuel healing and neurotransmitter production.
• Bone broth – Contains collagen and glycine to heal the gut lining and support mood stability.
• Fermented foods – Support microbiome diversity and help calm the gut-brain axis.
• Butter, ghee, and animal fats – Help reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining.
• Egg yolks and liver – Provide choline and vitamin A to support cellular repair.

🚫 Avoid These Gut Disruptors

• Seed oils (canola, soy, sunflower, corn)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Refined sugars and processed carbs
• Food dyes and preservatives

✅ Simple Swaps to Start Today

• Replace crackers with grass-fed beef jerky or cheese
• Swap soda for sparkling mineral water
• Add sauerkraut to lunch or dinner
• Serve broth-based soups with pasture-raised meats