When it comes to being happy, one of the smartest steps you can take is to keep your digestion humming. That’s because most of your body’s feel-good hormone serotonin is produced in your gut. When your digestion is working properly, so is your serotonin factory. And often, people with mood issues also have digestive issues. That’s why eating the right foods helps you feel your best not only physically…but also mentally and emotionally.
In this edition of the Bottom Line Advocator Podcast, Andrew Rubman, ND, a naturopathic physician and medical director of the Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines in Southbury, Connecticut, joins Bottom Line President and CEO Sarah Hiner to discuss the critical role the gut-brain axis plays in driving our moods and the best methods to help it function optimally. Dr. Rubman is a founding member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and author of the Bottom Line blog “Nature Doc’s Patient Diary.”
Topics covered include…
- How the “depression industry” has duped everyone (7:33 – 9:13)
- Why SSRI antidepressants aren’t the best solution (9:13 – 11:24)
- The digestion-mood feedback loop (11:24 – 12:28)
- Proper chewing and adequate stomach acid boost mood (12:28 – 16:15)
- What helped a depressed man with low libido (16:15 – 19:59)
- Why you need the amino acid tryptophan in your diet (19:59 – 21:49)
- Every meal affects your genetic expression (21:49 – 23:31)
- What a cupcake vs. broccoli does to your body (23:31 – 25:20)
- The gut flora’s critical role in overall health (25:20 – 27:06)
- How the gut’s serotonin factory goes awry (27:06 – 30:06)
- The healing power of digestive enzymes (30:06 – 32:59)
- Not getting enough salt and other causes of low serotonin (32:59 – 35:10)
- Why children are now at more risk for emotional issues (35:10 – 38:21)
- How processed foods lead to serotonin deficits (38:21 – 41:31)
- Steps to rebuild your serotonin-producing machinery (41:31 – 44:26)
- Papain supplements vs. digestive enzyme supplements (44:26 – 46:36)
- What to do if you’re taking an SSRI antidepressant (46:36 – 49:22)
- Can people with high blood pressure use salt? (49:22 – 50:53)
- Kimchi, sauerkraut and other high-salt fermented foods (50:53 – 52:26)
- Intermittent fasting vs. “grazing” throughout the day (52:26 – 56:59)
You can learn more about Dr. Rubman and his work at SouthburyClinic.com.
You can connect with and stay in touch with Sarah at her website www.bottomlineinc.com! Find Bottom Line on Facebook @WeAreBottomLine and at Bottom Line Inc. on www.linkedin.com.
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