How Gut Health Impacts Mental Health
Studies show that issues with your gut health can lead to mental health and cognitive concerns like anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s and more.
Your diet directly influences your gut health. Everything you consume influences your gut microbiome, which can in turn, create either an inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response within your digestive tract and immune system. Not just what you eat, but when you eat also matters.
HOW YOUR STOMACH PLAYS A ROLE
There are trillions of bacteria existing within your gut biome this very second. This number consists of different types of bacteria, and each type can either be beneficial or harmful to your health. The metabolic processes of the good bacteria lead to many of the biological substances we require for optimal health. Bad bacteria do not produce needed substances and in some cases they might produce systemic toxins.
If you have a higher level of “bad” bacteria to “good” bacteria, then a negative imbalance can occur, leading to dysbiosis – a disruption in the balance of your body’s natural microbiome.
This disruption can have a number of causes including, antibiotics, stress, infections, alcohol misuse, or diets high in processed meats, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.
One study discusses the influence gut bacteria has on our long-term health. The “good” bacteria in your gut can help with:
- Immune system function
- Gut motility (the movement of food through your digestive system)
- Nutrient absorption
- Synthesizing essential vitamins
- Ridding the body of toxins
- Production of chemical precursors needed for human function
These are just some of the ways healthy bacteria in your gut can benefit you. Dysbiosis, however, can lead to a number of health concerns.
YOUR GUT AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE LINKED
Dysbiosis can be felt in a number of ways – chronic fatigue, digestive issues, acid reflux, food intolerance, skin concerns, mood disorders, inflammation and more.
A recent study explains the links between your gut microbiome and depression.
One explanation they provide for the link between your gut and mental health is that an inflammatory response activated at the gut level, can lead to neuroinflammation as well. Lipopolysaccharides from gut microbiota that cross from the gut into circulation can cause enough inflammation to wreak havoc (endotoxemia).
They explain that “patients diagnosed with mental conditions” are also shown to have dysbiosis in their gut microbiome.
This neuroinflammation is also a common aspect of those with different forms of neurodegenerative dementia.
Therefore, reducing inflammation throughout the body, starting with the gut, can improve symptoms and possibly prevent mental health concerns.
HOW TO HELP YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
You can help reduce inflammation levels within your digestive system and throughout your body by introducing a healthy diet into your daily routine.
The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy diet to follow that encourages positive food choices. Dr. Warner is a big advocate of this diet as it focuses on whole foods that are not processed and low in sugar.
This diet can reduce stress levels as well, because it encourages a communal, shared approach to eating. Keeping a healthy diet with family and friends can improve your odds of sticking with healthy choices, as well as reduce the anxiety associated with eating.
Even with the best diet, it can be difficult to consume all the essential nutrients your body needs to maintain gut health.
Reduce Inflammation
Omega-3 is shown to reduce inflammation and prevent chronic inflammation. It’s also beneficial for blood-flow to the brain and reducing risk for cognitive decline, mood swings and depression.
Enhance Cognitive Function
Dr. Warner’s Brain Booster Series includes supplements for Energy and Focus. These supplements not only help you in the short term, but they also benefit the future health of your brain. They both contain a unique combination of ingredients that can enhance cognitive function and prevent decline, while boosting mental health.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation