- Human organs don’t operate independently from one another, and new research suggests the gut microbiota plays a role in influencing mood/emotions
- The gut houses trillions of bacteria that produce a variety of neurotransmitters, and your GI is linked directly to your brain via the vagus nerve.
- Research suggests eating whole, unprocessed foods and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods contributes to a healthy gut microbiome.
For the longest time, scientists and doctors have classified the body into systems, conveying the idea that for the most part, we are a bunch of different and separate parts that function nearly independently of one another, and then if you have a problem or ailment, that it’s best classified accordingly to the system affected most. Respiratory system issues, psychiatric disorders, cardiac problems, the list goes on. However, modern research is starting to debunk this method of thinking, supporting the long held belief that we are a massively complex and interconnected being, all systems being linked to one another, with hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, electrolytes and more all carrying messages back and forth from different parts of the body, ultimately signifying that what happens in one part of the body is likely going to play a role in how other areas of the body respond in turn.
With the increasing rise of psychiatric disorders, including depression, some of the newest and most exciting research being done is on the gut-brain axis. Put more simply, the relationship between your digestive tract, and your mood and emotions. Sounds crazy right? But consider that 90% of the serotonin receptors in your body are in your body’s GI tract. Serotonin is the body’s feel good hormone, and the most treated neurotransmitter in regard to depression. When levels are high and things are working well, people tend to feel more happy, upbeat, positive, and have more energy. When levels are low, people tend to be tired, lethargic, negative, and experience fatigue. Also consider that the gut is DIRECTLY linked to the brain via a feedback highway called the Vagus nerve. Meaning, your intestines are in constant, direct communication with your brain.
To further add to this, the body is a complex biological system, home to over ONE TRILLION bacteria. Yeah, that is one thousand million bacteria for those of you who are bad at math. That means that there are 10 times the number of bacteria present than actual cells in your body. Are you ready for this? You are MORE bacteria than you are HUMAN. Crazy right? But these bacteria are GOOD. They are responsible for a massive part of your body’s immunity. They produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and you guessed it, serotonin. And they help you digest the food you eat. In other words, if you keep these bacteria happy and healthy, your life is most likely going to be much, much, better. You will probably be less sick, less often. You will likely be happier and have more energy. Good chance you should sleep better. And you will also probably be less bloated, less often, and likely have more normal bowel movements.
But we typically TERRORIZE our poor gut with what we do to it on a regular basis. Want to know what your microbiome hates? Stress. Sleep deprivation. Processed food. Antibiotics. Lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. Lack of fermented foods in the diet. Literally ALL things that pretty much everyone does nowadays. Stress reduces the number of bacteria present. Processed food encourages growth of species that are NOT good, and reduces numbers of bacteria that are good. Antibiotics don’t differentiate between bacteria that are good and harmful ones, wiping out literally everything. Not eating fresh fruits and vegetables starves the good bacteria of the type of nutrients and prebiotic fiber they need to flourish, and not consuming fermented food literally takes away reinforcements of the same good bacteria present in your gut that exist in those foods.
So, what do you do then? Stop eating shit food – shy away from the twinkies and pizza. Sleep more and prioritize yourself and your schedule. Do not feel the need to make everyone happy all the time. EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, MORE OFTEN. Consume common fermented foods such as yogurts, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and the like. And do not jump on a damn antibiotic every time you get a common cold or a sore throat – antibiotics don’t harm viruses anyways.
Oh, and a little exercise never hurt anyone! 😀
Liu, L., & Zhu, G. (2018). Gut-Brain Axis and Mood Disorder. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 223. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00223