Did you know that the health of your gut can greatly affect your overall mood? The gut is often overlooked as a key contributor to your mood but it is actually very important. A number of other factors can predispose an individual to suffering with depression or anxiety; these include genetics, life experiences, diet and nutrient deficiencies. Improving your gut health is a powerful way of benefiting your mood and quality of life.

In today’s modern world, life can be pretty complicated, overwhelming and exhausting. It is not uncommon to feel sad or anxious every now and then. If you are regularly feeling down in the dumps and you can’t see an obvious reason for it, then you may need to address your gut health for a solution.

You would have heard of serotonin, the so-called happy neurotransmitter due to its role in contributing to an overall happy, stable mood. Did you know that up to 90 percent of serotonin is produced in the gut? Yes, that’s right, your gut is the main source of your happy hormone so if your gut is out of balance it makes complete sense that your mood could be affected. The gut-brain connection is very real and more and more research is showing that your gut health can directly affect your mood and that your mood (stress) can directly impact your digestion. The gut is lined with neurons that send messages back and forth between the brain and the gut which is why they can have such an impact. Research has shown that those with lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their gut have lower levels of serotonin.

How to improve your mood

  • Reduce levels of harmful gut bugs: If your gut is overrun by pathogenic bacteria or candida overgrowth then it is likely inflamed. Essential oils oregano, thyme and clove are naturally antimicrobial and can help to eliminate pathogenic overgrowth – these can be found in BactoClear capsules. High sugar and refined carbohydrate diets encourage the growth of bad gut bugs. Try to base your diet on vegetables, protein and natural fats. If you don’t digest your food thoroughly, the undigested remnants can ferment and encourage microbial overgrowth in your gut. Taking Digestive Enzymes with meals helps prevent this.
  • Increase good gut bugs: If you have taken antibiotics at any stage, it is likely that you have less than optimal levels of good bacteria in your gut. Fermented foods naturally contain probiotics and should be included in your diet on a regular basis. Some of these include sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, miso, tempeh and kimchi. A probiotic supplement such as Floratone is also an option, if you don’t eat those foods regularly.
  • Heal the lining of your gut: When you have a leaky, inflamed gut, you are unable to absorb as many nutrients from your food and toxins can leak from your gut into your blood stream. It is important to address any underlying food intolerances and to avoid inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy products and sugar whilst healing your gut. Bone broth, aloe vera, glutamine, slippery elm, collagen and saccharomyces boullardi are all very healing to the gut lining, many of which can be found in Ultimate Gut Health powder.
  • Increase fiber: The good bacteria in your gut feed on specific types of fiber, which are known as prebiotics. If there is a lack of prebiotic fiber in your diet then the probiotic bacteria are unable to thrive, and the cells that line your gut may lack nutrients critical for their survival. Onions, garlic, leek, apples, artichoke, asparagus, chicory and legumes are great sources of prebiotics. Fiber is helpful for maintaining regular bowel motions. If you experience constipation then a fiber supplement like Fibertone may help.
  • Try to eat less often. Leaving long gaps between meals improves your microbiome. 5 hours after you ate, cleansing waves in your gut sweep microbes and wastes downwards, helping to prevent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. That means no snacking. Some people benefit from having just one or two meals per day, rather than 3. Ox bile supplements also help prevent microbial overgrowth in the small intestine because bile has antimicrobial properties and has a gentle laxative action.

The amino acid Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and contribute to an overall happy, stable mood. Read my book Help For Anxiety and Depression for more tips on improving mood.

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7510518/

The above statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

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