How I Found Mental Clarity Through Gut Health and Blood Sugar Balance
Mental health is something so many of us are silently navigating, often with more questions than answers. I used to believe that anxiety and low moods were just something to "deal with"—something fixed with a pill or managed through willpower. But as I’ve learned more, especially through conversations like the one in this episode with Amanda, I’ve come to see it differently.
Mental health is deeply connected to our physical health, especially in areas we don’t often think about: insulin resistance and gut function.
Amanda shared something that floored me: over 90% of our serotonin—the feel-good chemical—is made in our gut. That means when our gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or leaky, we’re likely to feel it mentally too. This isn’t about being dramatic. It’s biology. And when you pair poor gut health with insulin spikes from processed foods, you get a dangerous mix that leads to mood crashes, anxiety, and foggy thinking.
I’ve been there. I’ve felt the post-lunch crash, the “I just need coffee to survive” afternoon, and even moments of unexplained anxiety. But small changes, like swapping out inflammatory foods, ditching constant snacking, and giving my body rest through intermittent fasting, have made a massive difference.
One thing I now swear by is movement. You’ve probably heard me say it before, but seriously—even 10 minutes of walking can reset my mood, clear my head, and help my body process stress better. It’s free, it’s accessible, and it works.
Then there’s Unimate tea—something I was skeptical of at first. But I can’t ignore the changes I’ve felt since incorporating it into my mornings. No jitters, no crashes—just a calm clarity that helps me show up for my day. Turns out, it’s the theobromine (a compound found in dark chocolate and in this tea) that lifts mood and boosts stamina naturally. Who knew?
Amanda also explained how this journey isn’t about perfection. Healing doesn’t happen overnight. We didn’t develop these imbalances in a week—and they won’t disappear in a week either. But the empowering thing is: we have choices. Real food, mindful movement, supplements that work with—not against—our bodies... it’s all part of the bigger picture.
If you’re feeling mentally drained, anxious, or stuck, I want you to know there are other paths. You don’t have to settle. This episode is packed with simple, science-backed tips that just might help you feel like yourself again. It’s not magic. It’s just choosing better, one step at a time.
Better Than a Pill Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6vZa2vJEsDmdjxWk1mUx0I?si=955e4c51e7f94cb7
