The Gut-Mood Connection

Feeling tired, depressed or anxious? Your gut could be trying to tell you something

- Taryn Das Neves

The past few years have seen the spotlight shine more and more on human gut health and the role it plays in our overall health and wellbeing. Science is continuing to unravel the complex network that makes up the human microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that inhabit our bodies and play a vital role in how we function.

Did you know that only 10% of your body is made up of human cells? The remaining 90% consists of the bacteria, viruses and fungi of your microbiome, which weighs almost the same as the human brain! No wonder they talk about the gut being the second brain. Research suggests the microbiome, which mainly lives within the gut and intestinal tract, produces hormones and other substances like neurotransmitters that can affect your health, energy levels and brain functioning. The gut and brain are linked by a large nervous system known as the gut-brain axis, which allows nerve impulses to travel between the gut and brain and vice versa.

THE MOOD CONNECTION

While human studies are still in their infancy, scientists have been looking at how different balances in the microbiota of mice lead to them developing anxiety and other behavioural differences. In human studies, researchers have discovered that those suffering from anxiety and depression have completely different microbiomes to those who live happy and positive lives.

When you experience a dysbiosis, or serious imbalance in your microbiome where bad bacteria flourish, these bad bacteria produce toxins that can affect your health, from triggering chronic inflammation to sending neurotoxins to the brain, causing depression and mood disorders.