The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Health

Your gastrointestinal (GI) system and brain are intimately interlinked; your gut contains nerve cells, while the latter communicates with each other via chemicals called neurotransmitters released by your brain.

Scientists have long recognized that your gut microbiome, which consists of bacteria in your digestive tract, can have an enormous impact on both your mood and overall health. According to research findings, your microbiome could increase or decrease depression risk as well as anxiety risk.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting approximately 19 percent of adults each year. People living with anxiety often struggle to control their emotions and are susceptible to other psychological ailments like depression.

Occasional bouts of anxiety are normal; however, when they become persistent or out-of-control they can interfere with everyday life and lead to avoidance of certain situations and prevent you from leading your best life.

Studies demonstrate a direct relationship between gut health and mental wellbeing. Your nervous system sends messages back and forth between brain cells through chemicals known as neurotransmitters in your gut.

Life experiences such as losing someone close or dealing with serious illness can lead to or worsen anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, certain personality traits increase your risk for an anxiety disorder.

Depression

Depression is a severe mental illness that impacts how you think, feel and act, posing significant difficulties to relationships, work and health.

Depression can often take its toll, so if your sadness lasts for two weeks or more it could be an indicator.

Depression can be devastating if left untreated, often leading to suicidal thoughts and actions. That is why it is vitally important that anyone suspecting they might have depression seek help early.

Treating depression may involve medication, psychotherapy and/or other therapies; results typically take several months but most people find relief eventually.

Emotional Well-Being

Emotional well-being refers to a state of resilience and recovery from mental health conditions or stress. Additionally, emotional well-being encompasses having meaning and purpose in one’s life.

To feel emotionally well, it is crucial that we are able to recognize and experience a range of emotions such as fear, anger, sadness and joy.

We all aim to manage and respond appropriately to emotions; when this doesn’t happen, depression and anxiety may arise.

The gut and brain are closely connected systems, and your digestive health can have an immediate effect on your mood. Issues like IBS or leaky gut may increase anxiety and depression risks.

Sleep

Sleep acts like a housekeeper: It clears away waste products produced during wakefulness from your brain and body.

Sleep is essential to overall health and can reduce symptoms associated with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, while also helping manage stress and improve your mood. Getting enough quality rest (7-9 hours each night) is vitally important. It helps decrease symptoms related to anxiety and depression as well as manage stress better and enhance mood.

Studies have demonstrated the link between lack of sleep and health issues and more serious outcomes. To achieve better restful slumber, follow these helpful suggestions:

1. Establish and Maintain a Reliable Sleep Routine.

To get optimal restful restful restorative restful restful restful restful restful restful restful sleep it is important to set and adhere to an exact daily sleep schedule that includes going to bed and rising up at the same time every day.

2. Set the temperature in your bedroom so as to enhance restful slumber.

3. Reduce alcohol intake as it depresses the nervous system and may interfere with restful sleep.

4. Develop a daily sleep ritual and relaxation routine, using meditation techniques to relax the mind and promote restful restful slumber.