The human body is a weird, wonderful thing. It can sustain life, it can heal after an injury, and it can help us do things we never imagined. In fact, there are many things about the human anatomy that doctors and scientists are still learning about, with studies finding links between the brain and the body on a regular basis. They’ve also found interesting connections between different parts of the body; for instance, your blood sugar can have an effect on just about every part of your body, from your gums to your toes.
For some individuals, it can be difficult to find ways to keep those connections healthy. Gut health, brain function, and heart health are all important parts of overall wellness, and in some cases, the way you feel physically can affect your mental health. That’s why it’s imperative that you understand the links between the various parts of your body and how to prevent problems.
Keep reading to learn about the strange connections in your body and how to manage them.
Depression and Mouth Health
Depression and the state of your mouth are closely linked, in part because many people who are suffering from depression are also battling stress or anxiety, which can come with side effects like jaw-clenching, hygiene neglect, substance abuse, and smoking, all of which are harmful to gums and teeth. However, you can prevent any issues by keeping your mouth as healthy as possible; for example, quit smoking, brush and floss three times a day, and control your blood sugar, especially if diabetes runs in your family.
Your Mood and Your Gut
Your gut health can significantly affect your mood. Not only do stomach issues tend to leave us feeling irritable, but they can also affect the amount of serotonin — a mood-booster — your body produces. In fact, about 90 percent of the serotonin your body produces comes from the gut, so when things are off, you can expect it to leave you irritable or unhappy. You can make a difference in your gut health by eating foods that have live cultures, such as yogurt.
Many people aren’t aware that chiropractic care can also be hugely beneficial to gut health because it reduces inflammation, and because particular parts of the spine can become misaligned and have a negative effect on digestion. Good chiropractic care can also affect the heart since it has a positive impact on blood vessels and the nerve system, helping to prevent high blood pressure and even heart disease.
Blood Sugar and Limbs
The amount of glucose in your blood can affect your entire body, but extremities are often the most affected since blood flow may not be able to reach those areas well. Some diabetics are forced to have one or both feet amputated due to poor circulation, and those who don’t often have issues such as pain and wounds that won’t heal. Fortunately for some people, blood sugar can be controlled with a healthy diet. Even if your blood sugar tests normally now, things can change as you get older, so it’s important to eat a diet that’s rich in dark leafy greens, lean meats, and whole grains. Also, if possible, try to cut back on refined sugars, which can be found in everything from spaghetti sauce to white bread.
Gums and Heart
Many people aren’t aware that their gum health is connected to their heart, meaning if they don’t take good care of their mouth, they put themselves at risk for heart disease. Making sure you floss daily and brush after each meal can be helpful, but it’s also extremely important not to smoke or chew tobacco. If your teeth feel loose in your gums, or if you have pain in your mouth, talk to your dentist about your oral health plan.
The body has some interesting connections, and it’s not always easy to make sure they’re all healthy. However, with a little preparation, you, your doctor, and your dentist can create a wellness plan that will keep your body and mind in great shape.
Source: Dana Brown of Health Conditions
