How Your Gut Health Should Impact Your Health

Did you know your gut and brain are always in constant communication? They work so closely together that your gut is called your “second brain”. The gut plays a major role in regulating your mood and mental well-being. If you have been feeling stressed, anxious, or down lately, the root cause might be closer than you think– in your gut! Let’s dive in and see how your gut health affects your mental health and what you can do to support it.

The Gut Brain Connection

The gut and brain are linked by a highway called the gut brain axis. This connection allows your gut and brain to send signals back and forth- this influences everything from your digestion to your emotions.

• serotonin: 90% of serotonin (the key feel good hormone) is produced in your gut! If your gut is out of balance, your serotonin levels may drop leading to feelings of anxiety and depression
• the microbiome: your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that we collectively call your microbiome. These tiny microbes will actually produce chemicals that impact your brain function and mood. A diverse, healthy microbiome can keep you calm and happy, while an imbalanced one can leave you stressed and irritable.

Signs Your Gut May Be Impacting Your Mood

Here are some common signs that your gut health may be affecting your emotional wellbeing:

• increased anxiety and irritability
• feeling foggy headed and having trouble focusing
• low energy or motivation
• hard time managing stress
• frequest digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea

If these sound familiar, it might be time to show your gut some love!

How To Support

The good news? There is lots of ways to improve your gut health, which then will support your mental health. Here are a few, small steps you can do to get started:

Eat Gut Friendly Food

• Add in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to your diet. These are super rich in probiotics which will allow all the healthy bacteria to grow.
• Add in prebiotic rich foods such as bananas, garlic, onions, and asparagus to help feed the good bacteria! Think lots of fruits and veggies rich in fiber.
• Cut out or reduce processed foods and sugar. These severely harm your microbiome.

Manage Stress Levels

Chronic stress will disrupt your gut brain connection and harm your microbiome. So many times on a GI MAP we can see the evidence of those with PTSD or chronic stress by the levels of healthy bacteria in the gut. Do the best you can to incorporate stress reducing practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or seeking therapy into your routine.

Prioritize Sleep

Poor sleep can negatively impact your gut health, which will in turn, affect your mood. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Stay Active

Regular exercise helps regulate your gut bacteria and will release all of the feel-good endorphins that give major mood boosters. Even a short daily walk can make a difference!

Consider GI MAPPING

If you are still struggling, GI Mapping can provide personalized insights into your gut health and help uncover imbalances that could be impacting your mood.

The Takeaway

Your gut and brain are intimately linked and a healthy gut is essential for a healthy mood. If you have been feeling off, it might be time to focus on what is happening in your digestive system. By making small, intentional changes to support your gut health, you can boost your mood and start feeling like yourself again!

Ready to take the next step in your gut health journey? Let’s chat about how I can help you uncover what is going on in your gut and create a plan that works for you.