How Our Gut Bacteria Influences Our Minds

Apr 23, 2018

Increasing research has helped doctors and psychologists better understand the link between gut health and mental health. Specifically, what's inside your gut can play a huge role in your mood and even your mental state if you suffer from anxiety.
 

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America and NIMH both report that the diagnoses of anxiety are ever-increasing. Anxiety is now the most common mental illness, with more than 40 million Americans suffering from anxious behavior each day. That's almost 1 in 5 people! Chances are, you know tons of people who are suffering, even if they do their best to hide it.
 

In America, we spend a whopping $42 billion each year trying to treat anxiety disorders. If you're a woman, you're 60% more likely to develop anxiety than a man. We need to start talking about mental health openly and without stigmatization.

Holistic medicine has deemed that our gut is our second brain, and growing research has actually found merit in this claim. The walls of our gut are actually lined with tons of nerves linked to our enteric nervous system. The abundance of what is scientifically called vagus nerves in our entire digestive tract can communicate with our brain in a powerful way that influences our mood.
 

Here are some important facts about our gut bacteria that will help you better understand their importance in the body:

-95% of our serotonin, the chemical that lets us feel happiness, is found in our bowels.

-The bacteria, fungus, and viruses that compose our intestinal microflora overpower the cells in our bodies by a 10 to 1 ratio.

-Our guts contain more than 100 trillion bacteria.

-Our gut sends much more information to our brains than our brains send information to our guts.

-One vagus nerve consists of 100 million neurons, which is more than what's found in your spinal chord or nervous system.
 

When our intestinal microflora is off balance, we can definitely feel it. When the numbers of bacteria, fungus, and virus shift to an unhealthy amount, we experience bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and more.

Your mental health is especially important to keep track of if you suffer from any digestive issue such as irritable bowel syndrome. Millions and millions of Americans suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, so perhaps the high amount of Americans suffering from anxiety should come as no surprise.
 

Since our guts contain so many nerves that communicate with our brains, maintaining a healthy gut flora is crucial for overall wellness.
 

In order to keep your belly and brain happy, consider these helpful tips:

-Stress wreaks havoc on your gut health.

-Antibiotics kill all the good bacteria in your gut, which allows the fungi and viruses to dominate.

-Steroids have a harmful effect on your gut.

-High amounts of sugar and low amounts of fiber can make you feel miserable. This is the typical American diet that needs to change.

-Alcohol also destroys your gut microflora so consume in moderation.
 

If you suffer from anxiety or gastrointestinal disorders, try doing the following:

-If you have to take antibiotics, supplement with a probiotic, too. Probiotics are also beneficial to take daily, regardless of your symptoms.

-Eat more fermented foods like kimchi to boost gut health.

-Exercise more.

-Aim to drink mostly water, and drink lots of it.

-Cut back on sugar and eat more fiber!

-Sleep enough.

-Manage your stress with healthy coping mechanisms.

-Don't be afraid to seek professional help.

Do you know anybody who suffers from anxiety? Let them know that food might be the cure!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!