According to the 2016 Rome IV update, functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are now classified as disorders of gut-brain interactions (DBGI). International scientists have found that an abnormal GI tract relates directly to the microbiota-gut-brain axis that has far-reaching effects on psychological behaviors like anxiety and depression. DBGI is also a contributor to stress and irritability which will significantly affect your behavior. Here is everything you need to know about how gut health contributes to your mood.
Your Gut And Your Brain’s Connection
The gut-brain connection is the reason for the saying “heal the gut, heal the brain”. Your gastrointestinal tract is linked to your brain — it’s why your stomach might rumble when you think about food. Experts will refer to the link of communication that flows both ways between your central and enteric nervous system as the gut-brain axis. Simply put, this means that your gut and your brain can — and do — talk to each other. The emotional and cognitive centers of your brain are linked inextricably with your peripheral intestinal functions.
When you’re stressed, your gut knows — and if something is stressing out your gut, it affects your brain. And, if your gut isn’t at it’s best, your mental health can suffer — gut bacteria and mental health are linked closely. Your stomach and brain work together to determine both your anxiety and digestion; in your body and mind, everything is connected.
ENS And Gut Microbiota
Gut bacteria and mood are closely linked. Your body has trillions of microbiota that live in the gut which includes bacteria, fungus, and viruses. When your GI system has an imbalance, it affects your mental health behavior — another example of how powerful the gut-brain connection is. It also contributes to your physical well-being including your nutritional intake and immune system.
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is called the second brain as it is found in the lining of the gastrointestinal system. An imbalance in the ENS affects the GI tract which then damages the central nervous system and the brain. It is at this stage that a person will begin to suffer from brain-gut connection anxiety, depression, and stress.
Anxiety And Gut Health
Recent research published in the Microbiome Journal shows that mental health disorder and neurology have a common link because of unhealthy gut microbiota that disrupts the microRNA molecules in the brain’s prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
The prefrontal cortex determines emotions, personality, and your attention span. The temporal lobes house the amygdala which is a set of nuclei. The temporal lobes are part of the limbic system which determines your emotional state.
This information is critical since the communication between the gut, the prefrontal cortex, and the amygdala shows that the body functions as one unit instead of separate systems with independent responsibilities. It infers that the gut is the central access point for the body; so, healthy gut, healthy mind.
For people suffering from GI conditions, it also offers promise that doctors will focus more attention on mental health as a symptom of GI conditions. There is potential for them to further examine and consider how the stomach and mind work together and the link between anxiety and digestion by considering the gut-brain axis when looking at mental health. With this information, people also have an opportunity to take precautions and look at pre and probiotics as preventive measures.
How Do Prebiotics And Probiotics Contribute To A Healthy Gut?
Your body must have the right balance of microbiota which is why professionals recommend prebiotics and probiotics to help regulate and balance the good bacteria in your GI tract. Prebiotics provide nutritional support for probiotics which are the good bacteria your gut needs.
Both prebiotics and probiotics fight against inflammation and illness while also boosting your immune system. A strong immune system helps your body stay healthy and responsive to harmful microbiota, giving you better gut bacteria, which of course, affects your mood. So, which of our products do we recommend? All of them, of course!
- Microbiome Plus promotes gastrointestinal health. Also, scFOS supports digestive activities. As a prebiotic, it helps L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 support normal GI function.
- If you have an imbalance, we recommend our Colon Cleanse. You will also benefit from digestive enzymes to help you absorb nutrients that will enhance gut health.
- Our products contain a synbiotic formulation of prebiotics and probiotics that maintain healthy bacteria within the gut.
- Our products are free of gluten, soy, and corn which supports several food-based disorders affected by unhealthy microbiota in the gut. Microbiome is also vegan-free, non-GMO, and preservative free.
Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for direct, individual medical treatment or advice. It is the responsibility of you and your healthcare providers to make all decisions regarding your health. Microbiome Plus recommends that you consult with your healthcare providers regarding the diagnosis and treatment of any disease or condition. Products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
