This post is part of a series on adverse childhood experiences.
Taking good care of yourself is vital during and after the recovery process.
Intelligent self-care:
Here are three keys that dramatically affect daily mood, functioning, and well-being:
Emerging research indicates that supporting beneficial gut microbes profoundly affects mood and brain health. For example, bacteria and toxins can breach a weakened gut lining because of a shortage of good microbes. These bacteria and toxins reach the brain, causing depression, anxiety, brain inflammation, and cognitive dysfunctions. Good microbes produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which communicate with the brain and affect mood. What strengthens the gut microbiome?
Eating habits that align with a Mediterranean-type diet optimize the gut microbiome (and brain health). The Mediterranean diet includes abundant vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains; healthy fat (including extra-virgin olive oil), fish (sometimes alternating with eggs or chicken); and regular, moderate use of fermented foods (such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir). This diet also minimizes animal fats (red and processed meats and full-fat dairy) and processed foods (which often contain sugar, salt, simple carbohydrates, and preservatives).
Antibiotics can disrupt........