Wise and Well’s Dr. Springer details the gut’s impact on mental health

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and taking care of your brain is essential to living a balanced and healthy life. One of the best ways to take care of your brain is by controlling anxiety and depression. Wise and Well’s Dr. Stevie DeJuan Springer came onto New Mexico Living to share some mental health tips.

Springer explains that depression is primarily characterized by feelings of sadness and loss of interest, and anxiety is primarily characterized by excessive stress, worry, and fear. Elements of depression and anxiety can vary greatly, but there are common symptoms for both, like irritability and insomnia.

Springer says addressing the gut microbiome is one way to support your mental health. He recommends boosting your health by taking supplemental magnesium and vitamin D as well as by eating foods like kale, berries, salmon, kiwi, tuna, sardines, nuts and seeds, and fermented foods like kefir and kimchi. Providing your gut with the proper nutrients improves the communication between your gut microbiome and your brain, sending signals that relieve anxiety and depression.

To find out more about how to live a healthy lifestyle with Dr. Springer, click here or search “Wise and Well” on social media platforms.