Does Your Gut Affect Your Mental Health?

 

Did you know that the gut plays a role in the body far beyond digestion? Recent scientific discoveries are shedding light on a fascinating connection between our gut and mental health. With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems in England every year,1 we’re wondering if the key to a healthier mind is hidden in the depths of our digestive system.

Let’s delve into the world of the gut-mind connection to understand how what happens in our guts might influence what goes on in our heads.

The gut-brain connection2

Imagine a motorway connecting your gut and brain, with information flowing in both directions. This is the gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication system that enables constant crosstalk between the two. Signals from the gut can influence emotions, mood, and even learning and memory, while the brain can, in turn, impact the gut microbiome.

Serotonin and the gut

Your gut produces up to 95% of serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.3 An imbalance in the gut microbiome can affect serotonin levels, potentially contributing to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

When the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the gut is disrupted, diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, obesity, diabetes, and mood problems may occur.4

Diet and mental health5

What we eat, especially if our food choices contain chemical additives and ultra-processed foods, can affect our gut environment, and increase our risk of disease or low mood.4 Try these three tips to help maintain a healthy gut microbiome:

  1. Diversify Your Diet: Ensure you have a varied diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods to nourish your gut bacteria.

  2. Up your fibre intake: Fibre serves as a prebiotic, providing fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.

  3. Add probiotics: Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut, can help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Kefir and mental health

Some studies have suggested that a healthy gut, nourished by kefir, can potentially boost mood and cognitive function.6 Whilst more research is needed, our Biotiful Kefir is full of billions of live cultures that can help your gut health. Hear from Amrit as she shares how her Biotiful Kefir journey has improved her gut and mental health.

While we’re still unravelling the mysteries of the complex gut-brain relationship, there’s growing evidence to suggest that a healthy gut may be a crucial player in maintaining a healthy mind. By adopting habits that support a diverse and balanced gut microbiome, we may find ourselves on a path toward improved mental well-being. So, the next time you ponder your mental health, remember, it might just be a gut feeling!

References:

  1. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems/

  2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/serotonin-effects

  4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/gut-feelings-how-food-affects-your-mood-2018120715548

  5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-gut-bacteria

  6. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2020/05/26/Gut-brain-axis-Kefir-s-impact-on-behaviour-and-mood#:~:text=Kefir%20consumption%20could%20increase%20the,to%20new%20research%20in%20mice

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