Does Your Gut Health Impact Your Mental Well-being?

Gut health, gut bacteria, gut flora, #guthealthmatters…well, guts have officially made it to hashtags! 

Gut health has become a hot topic and trend among social media platforms, and for all the good reasons. Your gut is more than just a place to store food, process it, and eliminate waste. It is said that the gut has a direct connection to our think tank!

Many have experienced foggy brain, sweaty palms, jelly legs before presentation. These could be signs of an unhappy gut. Surprised? Yes, it is a direct connection between gut health and mental state! If you also suffer from such gut health problems, you can take a 15 day cleanse gut support formula from Mila MiAmor.

This blog explores the "gut-brain connection," which is a two-way communication path between the gut and the brain. 

What exactly is gut health?

While "gut health" does not have a specific definition, it generally relates to the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including its impact on immune system, digestion, waste removal and mental health.

The gut microbiome is a varying group of bacteria living in the gut: trillions line the GI tract working collectively to form a barrier defense for immunity and sending messages to the brain for nutrition absorption— among other protective functions against infections.

What is the gut-brain theory?

An innovative two-way mode of communication network — termed the gut-brain axis — links the enteric and central nervous systems. More than just anatomical connections, the gut-brain connection is constant through various communication pathways: humoral, endocrine, metabolic, immunological. 

The brain can affect intestinal activities, such as the activity of functional immune effector cells, through the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, and nerves within the gastrointestinal tract. The gut can also affect mood, cognition, and mental health.

How does gut health affect mental health?

When harmful bacteria throw off the balance in your gut, the signals coursing along this vital link get disrupted— often manifesting as sadness or an unexplained cloud of anxiety that compromises cognitive focus.

One study has demonstrated that the bacteria within your gut can significantly influence the production of neurotransmitters. These chemicals play a role in determining your mood, regulating your sleep cycles and even governing cognitive function.

Mental health conditions connected to the gut microbiome

• Anxiety

Research shows that there is often an imbalance in gut bacteria among individuals with anxiety disorders. On another note, research suggested taking probiotics as a way to heal the stomach— this is usually associated with lower anxiety symptoms.

• Depression

Research suggests a relation between gut health and depression. People with depression have a distinct composition of gut microbiota than people without depression.

• Stress

Chronic stress can damage the good bacteria in your gut, starting a vicious cycle. Stress hormones have the ability to damage the gut barrier, letting pathogenic bacteria enter the bloodstream and affecting mood.

In such cases, you can take a 15 day cleanse gut support formula from Mila MiAmor to clean your gut from toxins.

• Brain fog

Are you feeling forgetful or finding it difficult to focus? It can be your stomach giving your brain mixed signals. The relationship between the gut and the brain affects cognitive function, and brain fog can be a result of gut health issues.

How can I test my gut health?

Although no single test works for everyone, a doctor may suggest a stool test to examine the bacteria in your gut. This can direct treatment options and assist in identifying any imbalances.

Furthermore, each individual has a different gut microbiome, which can often complicate the interpretation of results. Therefore, a healthcare provider's involvement may be necessary. 

How to improve gut health?

• Eat a balanced diet

When preparing your plate, include a vast array of fruits, vegetables, and wholesome grains. These particular foods happen to be wonderful sources of prebiotics — fuel for the good bacteria in your gut which ultimately betters the gut-brain connection. 

Strive for a diversity in color when it comes to your fruits and veggies; different colors mean different prebiotics.

• Don't forget the fiber

Fiber acts as a broom sweeping through your insides: facilitating smooth passage along the digestive tract while also satiating those beneficial microorganisms within your gut. Aim for 25–35 g daily: an amount easily sourced from fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils.

• Consume fermented food

Fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria. Foods like yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha can help increase the probiotic population in your gut. 

Probiotics can be likened to introducing friendly new residents into your intestinal flora! To derive the benefits of fermented foods towards gut health, choose products that contain live active cultures.

• Manage stress

We know it is easier said than done, but chronic stress can seriously damage your gut, so you should try to reduce it. This can lead to multiple issues like constipation, bloating, and others, requiring you to take constipation relief pills.

Look for healthy stress-reduction strategies, such as physical activity, meditation, or time spent in nature. Moreover, deep breathing can effectively calm your mind and gut.

• Limit processed foods

Processed foods and sweets can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut. They can upset the delicate bacterial balance and provide little to no nutritional value. So, when possible, choose whole, unprocessed meals. 

• Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps keep everything moving smoothly in your gut and improves your gut-brain connection. On the contrary, dehydration can lead to constipation and further disrupt the gut microbiome. 

So, eight glasses of water should be consumed daily, with adjustments made for climate and activity level. 

• Sleep is key

When you're sleep-deprived, your entire body suffers, including your gut. Aim for seven to eight hours of good sleep every night. A well-rested body contributes to a happy gut! Your gut can recover and rebalance its healthy bacterial population as you sleep well.

• Consider a probiotic supplement

Consult your physician to see whether a probiotic supplement can benefit you. Supplementing with probiotics can help your gut grow more beneficial bacteria by introducing new strains. Select a probiotic supplement, like 15 day cleanse and detox, of superior quality that contains a variety of bacterial strains and enough Colony-Forming Units (CFUs).

• Consider prebiotic supplements

While many foods naturally contain prebiotics, some people can benefit from a prebiotic supplement. Prebiotics feed the good bacteria in your stomach, promoting their growth.

• Mind your medications

Antibiotics are among the drugs that can disrupt the gut flora. Consult your doctor about strategies to maintain the health of your gut both during and after antibiotic therapy if you are taking one. Also, if you are taking supplements, like blood sugar support pills, you should seek medical advice before trying any constipation relief pills or detox pills.

A holistic approach to improving gut health

Taking good care of your gut health goes beyond just diet and supplements. Here are some additional tips to consider:

• Move your body: Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including promoting gut health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Connect with others: Social connection is important for mental well-being, and strong social bonds can positively impact gut health. Spend time with the people you love, join a club, or volunteer in your community.
• Get some sunshine: Vitamin D plays a role in gut health. Aim for some natural sunlight exposure each day, but be sure to practice sun safety measures.
• Take natural supplements: Mila MiAmor is proud to present you with a wide range of supplements to support your gut, from 15 day cleanse and detox and herbal detox tea to natural vegetable and fruit supplements. Our naturally crafted products will help you maintain a healthy gut and mental health.

In the end, it's all connected!

Optimum gut health isn't just about avoiding constipation or bloating. It is about taking care of an essential bodily component that can greatly influence your mental health. You can improve your gut health and see an improvement in your mental health by implementing these easy recommendations into your daily routine.