Mood & Microbes: How Your Gut Microbiome Controls Your Mental Clarity
Can your gut’s microbiome influence your mental health? Let’s see what the evidence says.
Is Mental Health Influenced By The Gut-Brain Connection?
S o often, people assume that mental and physical health are two distinct silos. While the psychology and medical communities are separate professions, the two fields are actually quite linked. Once thought to be entirely independent, experts now understand that physical health can influence mental health. For example, a person who is bedridden may struggle with depression because of limited mobility. Likewise, researchers have long since discovered a gut-brain connection between the enteric nervous system (ENS) found in the digestive system and the body’s central nervous system (CNS), The microbiome found in the gut may also influence mental health.
Exploring the gut-brain connection
A direct physical link exists between the brain and the gut known as the vagus nerve. This component controls all involuntary functions, such as breathing, heart rate, digestion, and even vasomotor activity. The nerve is the primary part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Since the gut has a somewhat independent nervous structure known as the ENS, researchers have studied how this entity operates and influences other parts of the body.
How ENS influences mood
Specifically for people struggling with digestive issues, researchers have found that the ENS can translate symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach or even bloating and pain into mood altering signals that are sent to the CNS. Once received by the larger nervous system, those signals trigger mood changes. Evidence suggests that reevaluating the ENS-CNS link may explain why people struggling with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have a higher incidence of depression or anxiety as compared to populations that don’t have the diagnosis. People diagnosed with both mood disorders have a 30-40% prevalence of IBS.
Innovative treatment methods
Now that a clear link is found between the body’s two brains, gastroenterologists are embracing new treatment methods. People with bowel issues shouldn’t be surprised if a physician prescribes antidepressant medications. The goal isn’t solely to treat a person’s mood symptoms, but rather because these drugs are proven to also control activity in the nerve cells found in the gut.
The gut microbiome’s influence
According to recent research, specific types of bacteria found in the gut can actually influence mood. A study following over 200 women who provided stool samples discovered that some strains are documented to promote positive feelings. Respondents were asked to complete questionnaires discussing mood throughout the program, leading to the conclusion that select microbiome bacteria and feelings could be linked. Similarly, other strains can potentially encourage feelings of irritability, anxiety, sadness, or even feeling overwhelmed.
Protecting gut health
While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between gut mood and overall emotions, enough evidence is present to show that the link is firmly established. Inflammation is often cited as the cause of discomfort, which can result in low mood, anxiety, or even depression eventually. To avoid irritation, experts recommend exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, opting for anti-inflammatory foods, limiting alcohol, and practicing stress reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing.