Looking to support a healthy gut-brain connection? A nutritional psychiatrist shares which foods can make a difference.

 Looking to support a healthy gut-brain connection? A nutritional psychiatrist shares which foods can make a difference.

The gut plays a crucial role not only in physical health but also in mental well-being. In an interview with CBS News, Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist and author of "This is Your Brain on Food," discussed the gut-brain connection and how diet can support it.

Dr. Naidoo notes that this connection is a relatively new area of scientific research, though Hippocrates recognized its importance long ago. Both the gut and brain develop from the same cells in the embryo, establishing their link from the start. Throughout life, they communicate via the vagus nerve, which she describes as a "text messaging system" that sends chemical messages between the two.

One key factor influencing these messages is the food we consume. According to Naidoo, eating healthier foods nurtures beneficial gut microbes, while processed and fast foods promote harmful microbes, disrupting the gut's balance.

How to Support the Gut-Brain Connection Through Diet

To enhance your "food-mood" connection, Dr. Naidoo recommends cleaning up your diet, starting with fiber. She emphasizes that fiber is vital for gut microbes, helping them thrive.

Opt for a Mediterranean or plant-rich diet that includes vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, and healthy whole grains. "You can't get fiber from animal protein, so focus on those veggies," she advises, highlighting the importance of clean proteins and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids.

For those following a plant-based diet, chia seeds and flax seeds provide short-chain omega-3s.

The Bottom Line: Embrace whole, healthy foods. "Eat the whole orange instead of store-bought orange juice, which often contains added sugars," she advises, noting that the "standard American diet" is aptly shortened to "SAD."

Experts agree that "gut health" is more than just a buzzword—it's essential for overall well-being.