You may have heard the term, your gut is your second brain, so what is this mind gut connection all about?
Your body is made up of many biological systems and they all interact with each other to create a well-functioning, healthy body
We therefore know that nothing in your body acts independently of another part.
Many of you would have experienced a time when you had a “gut’’ feeling about something. Maybe you became anxious and your gut reacted either by a feeling of butterflies in your stomach or even diarrhea and nausea
These reactions are a result of this important connection between the mind and the gut which could be affecting you in ways you haven’t even realized was connected.
What is the Gut Brain Axis?
According to Wikipedia “the gut brain axis is the biochemical signaling that takes place between the GI tract and the central nervous system”
In simple terms the gut brain axis is a 2-way nervous system link between your gut and your brain.
This occurs because your gut is lined with millions of nerve cells which run the whole length of your GI Tract. These layers of nerve cells are often referred to as the second brain.
This second brain mainly controls the workings of the digestive system from beginning to end. This includes swallowing food, breaking down the food and absorption of nutrients. It also includes the movement of food through the gut and the process of elimination.
The gut brain communicates information back to the main brain and visa versa. These messages can have a huge effect on mood and once again highlights the incredible systemic affect the gut has on so many aspects of health.
This relationship between the gut and the mind makes it easier to understand why the gut may be able to influence mood.
It is interesting to note that a high number of sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems, also suffer from depression and anxiety.
The gut Microbiota have a profound influence on the health of the gut and therefore the health of the brain.
Fecal transplants have shown changes in health and, also mood.
Some studies have shown depressive behaviour, has been transferred to mice when they have received depressed human fecal microbiome compared to non-depressed human fecal microbiome
The implications for human health are huge when you consider the number of prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication is written daily.
How Does the Microbiota Influence the Gut Brain Axis?
- The gut produces the majority of serotonin in the body. Gut flora also influence the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin
- The majority of the immune system is in the gut and influences total body immunity.
- Ongoing stress nay increase the risk of leaky gut syndrome allowing the crossover of toxins into systemic circulation. These endotoxins may increase inflammation and influence mood including risk of depression and other neurological conditions.
- The microbiota produces chemicals which not only influence neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, but also influence hormones.
What are Psychobiotics?
Psychobiotics is the name given to microorganisms that may have benefits to mental health when ingested and then interact with other gut flora. These organisms (probiotics) have an effect on the nervous system and influence the gut brain axis.
Psychobiotics can also include prebiotics as they influence the health, numbers, and diversity of the microflora.
Psychobiotics have been found in studies to influence depression and anxiety along with other cognitive health conditions
Studies using in psychbiotics with rats have shown significant changes in behavior but also conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Autism.
This kind of research is exciting when considering the implications to human health.
Probiotics for Anxiety
With the compelling information on how your microbiome affects mood and its influence on the Gut brain axis it makes sense that probiotics may also have an influence on anxiety.
An interesting study recently published has shown some strains of bacteria and in particular Lactobacillus Rhamnosus had a significant influence in reducing anxiety.
There is also interesting research in the likelihood of developing anxiety within 2 years after experiencing a gut infection.
Test your Microbiome to Enhance Your Mind Gut Connection
It is clear to see that a healthy gut is essential to having a healthy mind. The connection between mood disorders and gut disorders is extremely compelling and hard to ignore. The more we understand about the balance of organisms in the GI tract we also know how much our overall health is influenced by this amazing ecosystem within.
But How Do you Know how Healthy your Microbiome is?
Fortunately, there are laboratories that run state of the art, easy to do tests which you can do at home.
For more information on microbiome testing click here
Testing your microbiome is an important part of the health puzzle revealing insights into wellness longevity and this all important Mind Gut connection.
