Did you know that you have a second brain?
Yep, you have two brains! And it turns out there’s science behind “going with your gut.”
Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, this “brain in your gut” is the link between digestion, health and even the way you think. This connection is called your enteric nervous system (ENS) – two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells lining your gastrointestinal tract.
The ENS controls digestion, but recent studies have also found a strong connection with the central nervous system too – which explains why, “a higher-than-normal percentage of people with IBS and functional bowel problems develop depression and anxiety.”
What does this have to do with work?
Well, it’s important that your team fuels the brain in their gut well – especially with the link between the ENS and mental health. Mental health struggles are real and can pose a threat to their well-being. As a leader in your company – you know that this will also affect their ability to work. In order to keep your team healthy, you need to take the gut-brain connection seriously. Below are a few foods you can eat to support digestion and therefore, mental health:
- Whole Grains
- Leafy Greens
- Lean Protein
- Lower Fructose Fruit
- Avocados
Consuming these foods and understanding the brain-gut connection are simple ways to prioritize wellness at work. Encourage employees to follow your lead and educate them about their “second brain.” When employees see that you care about their health (mental and physical), they are more likely to stay loyal and productive employees.
Learn more about workplace wellness from DHS – experts in the field for over 20 years!
Discovery Health Services knows that when employees are fueled well, all parties and aspects of your business will reap the rewards. Knowing of the connection between digestion and mental health only makes eating well more important. Contact us today to learn more about our Workplace Wellness partnerships!
Discovery Health Services
Wellness options that your employees care about are essential to meaningful impact. Through our programs and technology, you will collect actionable data to address productivity, inform hiring decisions, and increase profits.
Only Discovery Health Services (DHS) offers a new approach to workplace wellness that helps both businesses – and their people – thrive.