The Gut and Mental Health

Mental wellbeing is influenced by a range of well-known factors including social connection and physical activity, but did you know that the gut microbiome is also a major influence?

⁣The gastrointestinal microbiome (the microorganisms that inhabit the gut) mediate a range of important functions in the body, including the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messages that regulate mood, sleep, appetite, motivation, concentration and more. There is a link between certain species of microbes in the gut with anxiety and depression.¹

⁣Signs and symptoms of an imbalanced gut microbiome are numerous, but may include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, allergies, food intolerances, brain fog and frequent infections.⁣

⁣So how can you support your microbiome? A high fibre diet with a variety of vegetables and fruit, including prebiotic foods (like garlic, oats and banana) promotes growth of beneficial bacteria. Limiting intake of substances like sugar and alcohol, reduces over-growth of harmful microorganisms. However, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to gut health, and depending on your specific health needs, different measures may be appropriate. This could include individualized dietary modifications, specific probiotics, and nutritional or herbal supplements. ⁣

Working with a naturopath can help you identify the best approach to support your wellbeing. ⁣

¹ Simpson, Carra A et al. “The gut microbiota in anxiety and depression - A systematic review.” Clinical psychology review vol. 83 (2021): 101943. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2020.10194