May is National Mental Health Month, so we felt there was no better time to discuss the connection between your gut health and your mental health. And no — your anxiety, depression, or other mental health issue is NOT all in your head! More and more research is showing that the health of the gut microbiome plays a huge role in our mental wellness. So, how does this work? In this post, we’ll explore the gut-brain connection, and give you some ways to improve your gut health — and by so doing, help improve your mood, lessen stress, and more.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach before an important meeting or presentation? Do stressful situations make you feel nauseous? Have you ever had a gut-wrenching experience? These are all common — and all have to do with how your gut and brain operate in tandem.
You may have heard of the gut being called the “second brain,” and for good reason. The gut and the brain are intimately connected. Your gut speaks to your brain via the vagus nerve and can indirectly influence moods like depression or anxiety, sleep, memory, and cognition. The physical and chemical connections between your gut and brain are known as the gut-brain axis.
The gut microbiome is a vital part of this gut-brain connection. Your gut microbiome develops at the same time as the central nervous system, and it has a powerful influence on many mental processes. In fact, studies show that a disrupted gut microbiome may play a major role in certain mental and neurological diseases.
The bacteria in your gut produce many of the neurotransmitters that play key roles in your brain — and your overall mood and mental health. In fact, researchers have discovered that about 90% of all your serotonin (a main mood-boosting hormone) is produced in the gut!
And an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to so many more issues, like digestive problems, autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, and chronic diseases. That’s why it’s so crucial to do whatever it takes to improve your gut health.
Listen to Your Gut: How to Improve Your Gut Health
As you have read, your gut health affects your brain health and vice versa. So taking good care of your gut is a must. And that starts with what you put into your body.
The Standard American Diet is the opposite of gut-healthy, as it’s full of high-fat, high-sugar, processed foods. Instead, focus on eating whole foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes, beans, and whole grains, as well as fermented foods. In fact, one study showed that improving the type of food that you eat can make a difference in as soon as 24 hours.
Stress-reducing activities are also vital, including exercise. Exercise reduces the inflammatory responses within the body and can reduce the effects of mental and physical stress. Sleep is also a key stress-reducing activity — and lack of sleep can have a direct effect on gut health.
You can see that getting your gut microbiome in balance can improve your health — and even reverse some problems you may be having. And we are here to help you do just that.
Dr. Berutti is an expert on gut health, as well as hormone balancing, thyroid balancing, and anti-aging. She can provide you with the professional expertise needed so you can feel better and lead a longer and healthier life. And one of the key tools she uses is nutritional testing.
Gut Health Testing at the Dynamic Life Health Center in Southlake, TX
To help you better determine the health of your gut microbiome, we offer nutritional testing here at Dynamic Life Health Center. Plus, we provide you with access to a registered dietitian to help you restore your gut health. The tests that we offer include, but are not limited to:
- Vibrant America Food Sensitivities Testing – a blood test to determine if you have sensitivities to hundreds of common foods.
- Gut Zoomer – the most comprehensive gut microbiome test on the market.
- Genova GI Effects Test – a stool test that looks at overall gut health, the function of your digestive system, inflammation, and imbalances within the microbiome, including an analysis of bacteria, yeast, and parasites.
- Genova SIBO Test – a breath test to evaluate bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Please visit our Testing page to see all the testing we can provide. We are committed to providing the help you need to live a healthy, happy life.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
When many patients come to see us, they have lost hope because they’ve felt unwell for so long and don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s rewarding as a practitioner to help so many people realize a much better “normal” and a regained sense of vitality!
Please call us to get more information about how our clinic can help you with your health goals and schedule an appointment.
We look forward to the opportunity to restore your health and regain your vitality for life!
For More Information, Call Us at 817-539-6168
Or fill in the inquiry form below and tell us the best way to reach you.
Existing patients, please call us at 817-912-1600.
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