You know the phrase to trust your gut instinct? There is actually logic behind this saying as our gut is known as the body’s second brain and there is a bidirectional line of communication running between the two; the gut-brain axis. This consists of linking peripheral intestinal functions with emotional and cognitive centers of the brain, via the vagus nerve. Read on to learn more.

Healthy Gut

We experience gut issues when under emotional stress and equally we can experience emotional problems if our digestive system is compromised. Having a healthy gut is very important in regulating moods. Around 90-95 percent of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut and having certain bacteria in the gut can increase or decrease the amount of serotonin produced. A healthy microbiome helps to ensure we produce enough of this “”feel-good neurotransmitter”. Having an overgrowth of pathogens such as yeast/candida can negatively affect production of neurotranmsitters like serotonin, leaving some feeling more moody. It can also contribute to brain fog or forgetfulness, as candida produces acetaldehyde as a byproduct when it feeds on the sugar we consume.

Inflammation

Inflammation in the gut can have an impact on our moods and it can occur due to food intolerances, processed foods, yeast overgrowth, bacterial imbalances and unhealthy lifestyles. This causes the release of cytokines and neurotransmitters which then escape through a “leaky gut” into the bloodstream and pass the blood brain barrier, resulting in some people experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression or memory loss.

Moods

Numerous studies have shown that the gut bacteria in those suffering with mood disturbances such as depression differed from healthy volunteers. There are also studies showing that stress can have an impact on bacterial flora of the gut, with animal studies showing exposure to stressor alters their bacterial flora and also that administering probiotics with good bacterial strains helped to reduce their stress behaviors.

Sleep

Sleep plays such an important role with our moods and studies are now showing that certain bacterial strains may negatively impact our circadian rhythm (sleep cycles). For example higher levels of bad clostridium bacteria were associated with sleep issues in those with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Credit: Victoria Tipper, nutrition and life coach) www.victoria-tipper.com