The relationship between gut health and mental health has garnered a lot of attention lately. It’s a really interesting field of study. Scientists and medical professionals are beginning to focus more on the gut-brain axis. Basically, this is how the brain and gut communicate.
- The intestine and brain communicate through various passages, hormonal signals and inflammatory markers. This connection means that imbalance in intestine health can potentially affect mood and cognitive function.
- A throng of microorganisms’ lives in our intestine as part of the intestinal microbiome, some of which are responsible for the neurotransmitter production. The intestine produces about 90% of serotonin, or what we call “the feel good” hormone. To achieve optimal serotonin levels, we need a diverse and balanced microbiome, as it helps improve mood and emotional wellness.
- Issues of intestinal health can trigger the inflammatory response of the body when bad bacteria beats the good ones. Research has shown the link between chronic inflammation and many mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. An anti-inflammatory diet with probiotics is a possible way to reduce inflammation and promote mental wellness.
- Probiotics found in fermented foods and supplements have been shown in different research to have a positive effect on mental health. By reducing inflammation and modifying neurotransmitter production, studies have shown that these microorganisms can replace the intestinal microbiota, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Adding foods containing probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to your daily diet can be a natural means of improving mental health.
Consultation with a healthcare professional is an essential step before considering the use of significant diet change or the use of mental health supplements. Healthcare professionals provide unique advice to ensure changes to adjust personal health requirements and conditions.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-the-connection-between-the-gut-and-brain-health
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-are-probiotics
https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/importance-prebiotics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microbiota
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384867/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10197139/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-foods-to-improve-your-digestion
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/03/24/as-fermented-foods-rise-in-popularity-heres-what-experts-say
