Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection: Why Mental Health is Just as Important as Physical Health (+ Exactly How to Support Both!)
As someone who has spent years working with patients to overcome chronic health problems, I have seen firsthand the powerful link between our physical and mental health. In fact, mental health is just as important as physical health - and we cannot fully address one without addressing the other.
I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that mental health problems like depression and physical chronic autoimmune conditions both continue to increase every year. But unlike physical health problems, stigma and a lack of access to help often hinders people from receiving the mental health care they need.
That’s why it’s my job to continue to spread awareness around mental health and how caring for both sides of your mind-body connection is key for vibrant health all around. One way to do this is by giving your gut and brain (the two foundational systems of your mind-body connection) the fuel they need to function optimally. These are some of my favorite tools restore your gut and brain health so that so you can thrive both emotionally and physically.
By giving your body exactly what it needs to optimize the pathways involved in both sides of your mind-body connection. you'll be able to restore the underlying dysfunctions that are keeping you chronically tired, sick, stressed, and anxious.
1. Heal your “second brain” with The Probiotic
Your gut is often referred to as your second brain. This is because it is formed by the same fetal tissue when you were growing in your mother’s womb and is still connected today with each one affecting the other on a deep level. For example, 95% of your “happy” neurotransmitter serotonin is made and stored in your gut.
This is why when your gut health is compromised due to inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, or bacterial dysbiosis, you can start to experience symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and depression.
With 100 billion CFUs per capsule, The Probiotic contains four strains of beneficial bacteria for total microbiome support. Its heat, moisture, and oxygen sealed packaging ensures a more targeted release for restored gut balance, boosted immunity, and enhanced overall health.
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2. Rebalance mood + stress hormones with The Brain-Adrenal Balancer
Hormone imbalance - specifically with your stress hormone, cortisol - is one of the biggest drivers behind stress and anxiety. When cortisol is out of whack it can lead to problems with adrenal fatigue and even mess with important neurotransmitters involved in mood balance.
Say goodbye to mood swings and that constant “on edge” feeling with The Brain-Adrenal Balancer. Since it is formulated with curated blend of clinically tested and proprietary herbs blends like adaptogens and nootropics, it is designed to help regulate cortisol, support relaxation, and reduce stress and anxiety by helping your body resolve many of the biochemical changes that occur as a result of repeated, frequent exposure to stressors and cortisol.
As a functional medicine expert, I know that you can't supplement your way out of poor health. That's why I always recommend supporting your health from every angle by eating delicious superfoods and using clean, non-toxic products. These are some of my favorite brands that will help you take your mental and physical health to the next level.
1. Beauty & The Broth
Continue to fuel your second brain with one of my favorite bone broths to sip on-the-go. Beauty & The Broth's bone broth concentrate packs a punch of both nutrition and flavor, by slow-simmering high-quality, organic ingredients until they are reduced to a thick, concentrated gel. They're pouches are easy to take with you wherever you go, since all you need is a cup of hot water to enjoy all of its gut healing benefits.
2. Pique
Pique's natural tea blends are made to facilitate optimal digestion, radiant skin, boosted immunity, sustainable energy, and so much more. Concentrated polyphenols and all-natural probiotics are utilized to support the growth of good gut bacteria for a healthy gut.
3. Humble deodorant
Humble deodorant is made with simple and effective ingredients that you can feel good about, and without aluminum, alcohol, parabens, talc, or artificial fragrance. One of my favorite ways to support both my mental and physical health is through exercise (hello feel-good hormones!), so this is perfect to apply before getting in a sweat!
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The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Our content may include products that have been independently chosen and recommended by Dr. Will Cole and our editors. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.
BY DR. WILL COLE
Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum.
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