I remember when I was a little boy I received a GI Joe doll for Christmas from my parents. It was pretty cool because it had a string I pulled and it actually spoke to me. There were several accessories that came with the doll such as a soldier’s uniform, guns, a jeep, and scuba gear. I played with GI Joe by inventing wars for him to fight on land and in the sea. Of course, he always came out victorious.
I was sitting in my doctor’s office today receiving treatment for a gastrointestinal (GI) issue. Suffering from GI issues is common for people like me due to an eating disorder and mental health challenges. For whatever reason after having my treatment the memory of playing with my GI popped into my memory.
GI issues are common for people with mental health conditions and those of us with a history of trauma. Why is our gut health so important?
Our stomach manufactures 90% of the feel-good hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. A lack of serotonin in our bodies is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mania, and other health conditions.
What can we do to increase serotonin levels in our body: 1. Eat more tryptophan such as; chicken, turkey, nuts, seeds, salmon, eggs, cheese, tofu, and pineapples. 2. Getting more sunlight; shoot for 15 to 20 minutes each day. 3. Exercise 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week plus two strength training per week. This can improve mood disorders and heart health.
Adding these activities into our daily routine will impact our health and well-being. I realize the importance of a healthy GI in regulating my mood by incorporating these three behaviors into my Recovery.
I imagine that GI Joe ate right, got plenty of sunlight, and exercised so that he could protect me from all foreign and domestic bacteria and viruses. Here’s to the health of our gut.
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/