By now, many people are aware that having a well-populated gut is vital to overall health, but did you know it is also vital for mental health? Research on animals has shown that poor gut health and inflammation due to negative changes in the microbiome can impact the brain in such a way that it produces symptoms of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, anxiety and depression cause stress, which can destroy the good bacteria in your gut. This issue continues to compound on itself until both issues are addressed. As a therapist who has also wrestled with my fair share of gut issues most of my life, I know first hand just how important it is to feed your gut properly. I also know it can be overwhelming, particularly if you are already dealing with anxiety and depression, and taking action on something can sometimes feel impossible. That is why in my practice, lifestyle is a major factor in the work I do with my clients who are experiencing mental health disturbances. Here are the ways a poorly populated microbiome can impact you:
- If your gut health is off, digesting your food becomes even more difficult. This leads to abdominal pain and discomfort that can hold you back from enjoying life and enjoying the foods you love. You may even develop allergies to certain foods if your gut health problem goes unchecked for long enough.
- Your gut and your brain are in constant communication. Scientists even refer to your gut as your second brain. 95% of your serotonin is produced inside your gut and influences your emotions as well as how your intestinal tract functions. Your gut also produces several other neurochemicals that are needed for basic brain function like cognition, learning, and memory. Have you ever felt foggy after eating a lot of junk food, or just sluggish and not like yourself? Your gut bacteria can be impacted easily even in a short amount of time. This is why it is important to focus on maintaining a healthy gut so that the occasional fun foods don’t impact you severely.
- Your gut is connected to your brain both physically via the Vagas nerve, and chemically via neurotransmitters. Bad bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the gut can disrupt how the neurotransmitters are received by the brain. Therefore, poor gut health can lead to hormone issues, causing a whole host of other health issues.
The journey to better gut health, and improved mental health can be challenging, but I am happy to walk that path with you while also guiding you through exploring traumas, relational issues, and any other hardships you have found yourself dealing with. If you are interested in learning more, let’s set up a FREE consultation! Click here to leave your information!