The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Wellness
Mental health is a complicated matter. At Sillon Wellness, we understand these complexities and aim to not only help but also educate individuals by providing Therapy and Counselling in San Antonio and beyond. The assumption is that mental health struggles stem solely from the brain, but the reality is quite different. Studies have now shown an immense connection between mental wellness and gut health. That’s right, your digestive system might be impacting your mental health. Let’s get into it.
The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Communication Highway
Research is ongoing, but there’s more evidence than ever that the state of our digestive system can influence mood, stress, anxiety, and depression. Interestingly, that influence is not just one-sided. There’s a complex communication system inside your body that links your GI tract and your brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Biochemical signals get sent between the two areas, transmitting information along pathways that communicate the state of emotions, digestion, and hunger. 90% of signals sent along this “highway” —aided by the vagus nerve travel from the gut to the brain, indicating that the gut has a much larger role in mental wellness than previously known.
What is Gut Microbiota and How Does It Impact Mental Health
All along the gut-brain axis live tons of microorganisms – trillions in fact – that make up their own diverse ecosystem. These microorganisms are known as microbiota and are made up of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play an essential role in digestion, immune function, and brain function. When the microbiota becomes imbalanced, that’s when the brain gets impacted and mental health issues may arise. These negative effects are caused by:
- Inflammation: A gut microbiota imbalance can cause a condition known as a “leaky gut,” which allows toxins and bacteria to sneak their way into the bloodstream. Once there, the body will trigger an automatic inflammatory response that can include the brain. Chronic inflammation is heavily associated with depression and anxiety.
- Neurotransmitter Production: You’ve probably heard of serotonin, or the “feel-good” hormone. But are you aware that 90% of it is produced within the gut? Certain gut bacteria are responsible for producing the serotonin neurotransmitter, so poor gut health can decrease the level of serotonin flowing through the body. This will inevitably lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Stress Response Regulation: Your body’s stress response is regulated in – you guessed it – the gut. When the gut’s health has been compromised, an overactive stress response can occur, catapulting the stress hormone known as cortisol. This can cause anxiety, mood changes, and other mental health struggles.
With so much information traveling from the gut to the brain, it’s no wonder poor gut health will wreak havoc on the brain and its function. Beyond anxiety and depression, an unhealthy gut can also lead to brain fog, lack of concentration, general cognitive impairment, irritability, and trouble regulating emotions.
Supporting Your Gut to Support Your Mental Health
By learning about the importance of gut health and implementing healthy changes to your lifestyle, you can improve gut health and therefore improve brain health.
- Choose Gut-Friendly Foods: Eating a poor diet is a surefire way to struggle with gut health. Instead, opt for a healthy diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt and fermented foods.
- Add Supplements: Probiotics and prebiotics are beneficial bacteria that help optimize gut health. Shop for a high-quality supplement to add to your daily routine.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress is terrible for the body, damaging the gut which impacts mental health, thus creating an unfortunate cycle. Work on ways to help regularize your stress response through techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, gentle stretching, or deep breathing. For a more tailored approach, schedule a consultation with our team of experienced professionals at Sillon Wellness to determine if you could benefit from therapy.
- Sleep Well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to help keep a balanced gut and a clear mind.
- Move Your Body: Regular exercise has proven benefits on both mental wellness and gut health, promoting a healthy microbiome and reducing stress and anxiety. Find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your weekly routine.
- Avoid Antibiotics: Of course, antibiotics are necessary to treat certain infections and illnesses, but overusing them can disrupt the gut microbiota. Only take antibiotics when necessary and when prescribed by a doctor.
Improving Mental Health Through A Focus On Gut Health
The connection between the gut and the brain is strong, with gut problems playing a large part in poor mental health. As research and understanding improve, so do opportunities to improve both. A healthy gut can be maintained through lifestyle changes, healthy habits, and sometimes, medical intervention. There has been success with the use of antidepressants for bowel disorders, and therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help improve communication via the gut-brain axis.
Sillon Wellness in San Antonio has a team of educated professional therapists proficient in CBT and many other therapy treatments. We’re dedicated to providing personalized care to help you work through anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. It’s time to prioritize your gut, your brain, and yourself to live the life you deserve. Let’s chat about your therapy and counseling needs today!
Don’t worry if you aren’t financially stable, check out our financial options for your mental health treatment. We also accept Aetna Insurance, Tricare Insurance, and TRIWest Insurance. Give us a call at (726) 201-5284 or send an email to [email protected] to learn more about us and our services.