Wondering how on earth your anxiety may be connected to your gut health? Well, it's actually one of the most major connections and I'm going to explain why!
Our bodies have this thing called the Gut-Brain-Axis. Essentially your gut and brain communicate via the vagus nerve, neurotransmitters and the immune system. If your gut health is compromised, it can trigger distress signals to your brain and present as anxiety.
Are you unsure whether your gut health is compromised? Below are common symptoms of a not-so-happy gut:
- Anxiety
- Poor digestion (for example, you feel as though food can just "sit there", feeling heavy and tired after meals)
- Bloating and discomfort
- Reflux
- Digestive pain
- Diarrhoea/Constipation
- Mucous in your stools
- Blood in your stools (you definitely want to check this out asap!)
Did you know that an unhappy gut often leads to chronic and systemic inflammation? If your gut lining is inflamed, toxins and bacteria have an avenue to your blood stream (ever heard of the term "leaky gut"?!). From there, an immune response is triggered and is linked to mood disorders including anxiety.
Additionally, the pathogens (e.g. bacterias, parasites) that are now potentially travelling around your body can really disrupt you emotionally for the same reasons above. Plus, they deplete your essential nutritional elements which are vital in keeping your body in balance.
An unhealthy gut often leads to chronic inflammation, which can impact the brain. When the gut lining becomes damaged (a condition sometimes referred to as leaky gut), toxins and bacteria can enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. This systemic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety.
Another contributing factor is your beneficial gut microbiome. It plays a KEY role in producing serotonin, dopamine and GABA - all of which are responsible for regulating mood and reducing anxiety levels.
Did you know that approximately 90% of serotonin (i.e. "feel good" neurotransmitter) levels are produced via the gut?!
Did you know that approximately 90% of serotonin (i.e. "feel good" neurotransmitter) levels are produced via the gut?!
Remember, all things lead back to the gut! Happy gut = happy mind!
Adelaide