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Can Poor Gut Health Cause Anxiety And Depression?
The gut, also known as the gastrointestinal system (GI), makes food digestion possible. It comprises several organs, nerve cells, hormones, and microorganisms. The central nervous system (CNS) connects the brain and GI directly, and signals travel between the two to manage various parts of digestion.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is another crucial control center inside the GI lining. With 100 million nerve cells, the ENS can function without the brain. According to scientists, it may impact how the stomach and one’s mental health are related.
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut-brain axis (or connection) describes the relationship between anxiety and intestinal health. The central and enteric nervous systems (the organs and gut bacteria located in the gastrointestinal tract), which communicate in two directions, form the gut-brain axis.
The GI tract releases serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters and hormones that impact brain activity and mood. Mental diseases like anxiety and depression are primarily caused by a deficiency of one or both neurotransmitters. Unbalanced gut microorganisms can reduce the amount of “happy hormones” produced, resulting in stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.
Signs That Your Gut May Be Unhealthy
You could suffer from poor gut health and physical, emotional, and mental effects. There are several signs that something is “off” with your gut besides anxiety, though. You could begin experiencing some physical signs of a gut imbalance even before you notice your anxiety levels increasing. Some physical symptoms may include:
Mental and emotional symptoms that are common with an unbalanced and unhealthy gut include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Confusion
- Depression and anxiety
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, now is the perfect time to start taking proactive steps towards a healthier gut and a happier you.
Foods That Can Help Boost Your Mood
It’s important to keep in mind that no one food or diet can fully treat or prevent a mental health disorder. Any program for anxiety or depression treatment should include advice from a mental health professional. But your less-stressed, happier-mood method may be supported by what you eat.
Eating whole plant foods high in fiber and phytochemicals is one of the most important things you can do to support the gut-brain connection. According to research, dietary fiber from whole plant foods can support the gut-brain axis in several ways, including promoting the creation of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing gut barrier function, and reducing inflammation. For your stomach and your spirits, plants, probiotics (healthy bacteria), and prebiotics (which feed the beneficial gut flora) are recommended.
Contact Us For Help With Improving Your Gut Health
Contact us if you are in or around the Mobile, AL, area and would like more information about achieving a healthier gut. We can provide dietary, lifestyle, and supplement advice to support your body’s biological capacity to recover and heal naturally. Call us now to schedule an appointment. Let us help you discover the joy of having a happier gut that flourishes and thrives with the guided support of our coaching program.
