Can Your Gut Effect Your Brain?

Have you ever considered whether or not the state of your gut could effect the state of your brain. Spoiler alert it does! You might be wondering how that can be. Keep reading to find out.

Did you know that your gut microbiome is home to billions of neurotransmitters? Or that 90-95% of our serotonin is produced with in our guts? That’s right! It’s with good reason that our gut is becoming known as our second brain. Therefore, it is very important that we pay attention to the state of our gut health when dealing with the health of our brains. You can read more on what gut health is and why it matters here.

The Rise Of Mental Health

Mental health is a growing epidemic within the United States affecting 1/3 adults and 1/4 children. If we stop and take a look at the Standard American Diet (S.A.D), it’s not really all that surprising. Most Americans eat diet full of refined and processed sugary carbs, highly inflammatory foods like hydrogenated oils, and food like substances made with chemicals like petroleum. I’ve heard it said multiple times that most people don’t even eat real food anymore but rather food like substances. After diving into label reading and learning what certain things actually are and how they are made, I have to say I agree.

This poor diet in addition to living in our modern toxic world causes damage to our gut health. Our gut health affects everything, mental health included. If our guts are responsible for producing serotonin and they are in distress then is it any wonder there are so many people struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Is it any wonder we have so many people struggling with ADD, ADHA, or other behavioral disorders? Add in the fact that we live in a fast pace, high stress culture is it any wonder so many people are hanging on by a thread. Even if you don’t struggle with mental health or behavioral health issues, odds are you are over stressed, sleep poorly, have trouble concentrating, and are often fatigued. The health of our brains encompasses so much, and the health of our brains begins in the gut.

This doesn’t mean medication for certain conditions will never be needed, but if you fix your gut, get enough sleep, manage stress well, and address mineral deficiencies there’s a good chance you will notice improvements with your mental health. You can read more on resetting your gut health here.

Diet And Lifestyle Matter

Start with your diet. Eliminate processed foods and eat whole foods. Eliminate sugar, dairy, gluten, and other inflammatory foods. Eat real food. Add in lots of probiotic rich fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, sour dough, and yogurt and other foods that support good gut health.

In addition to diet, look for areas you can reduce your toxic load such as ditching fragrances and plastics. If necessary consider doing a gentle detox. These 2 things will allow your gut to heal and will have profound impact on the health of your brain. Additionally make sure you’re getting enough sleep and managing stress well.

Mineral Deficiencies

Mineral deficiencies are another major contributor to poor mental health and behavioral issues. When I was struggling hard with postpartum depression it was discovered that I was extremely iron deficient. I had already been working on my gut health, but I was still struggling. The simple addition of an iron supplement made all the difference. Other minerals like zinc, magnesiums, and selenium also play a major role.

Check out the supplements I used and still use today. It’s been almost a year and my mental health has improved greatly.

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Final Thoughts

Mental health is a complex issue and there are no magic bullets or cure-alls. But, I have witnessed in my own life the powerful impact gut health, diet, toxic load, good stress management, adequate sleep, and mineral deficiencies can have on my own mental health. Addressing these things should be the first line approach followed by therapy and supporting the body naturally with herbs. If in the end medication is needed there is no shame in that. I do strongly believe though that many people will find those medications unnecessary if they attack mental health from the root and work to support the body and they mind.

***Please remember that nothing on the blog is to be considered medical advice and everyone should consult their naturally minded medical professional.