The Surprising Links Between Your Gut & Mood (...and it applies to your kids, too!)
Did you know that you are MOSTLY bacteria? In fact, you have SO much bacteria that it outnumbers every single cell in your body by 10 to 1. And the VAST majority of these bacteria live in your gut. These invisible creatures play a crucial role in your health.
The exploration of the gut-brain axis has been a topic that has captivated the interest of scientists and wellness advocates alike over the last few decades. Through multiple studies done on rodents and a few human trials, scientists are early in their discoveries– but one thing has become abundantly clear:
Your gut microbiome has a massive impact on your physical health, neurological health and mood. Read on to learn more!
#1 – Studies have linked gut bacteria imbalance with mental health issues.
Maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your microbiome means much more than productive bowel movements. It has the potential to impact your mood and ability to better navigate depression and anxiety.
Treating dysbiosis and inflammation in the gut by improving the balance of beneficial bacteria can improve mental health outcomes. Scientists believe that many people with chronic inflammatory conditions of the gut, such as Crohn’s disease or IBS tend to struggle with mood disorders. This helps illustrate the clear connection between gut inflammation and mental health outcomes.
Early studies have indicated that participants who took a strong probiotic instead of antidepressants, improved their mental health greatly when the study ended. This is exciting for health conscious people who want to try natural health remedies before beginning pharmaceutical interventions.
#2 – You build your child’s gut microbiome, which impacts their mental health.
Babies are born with sterile guts! Throughout their infancy and childhood, you help build their gut microbiome. From the moment of delivery, what your children are exposed to and fed will build the foundation of their gut microbiome.
You play a critical role in your child’s neurological development. But even in the happiest, most emotionally secure homes, children without strong guts can be more susceptible to mood issues, behavior issues and psychological disorders which often require intervention.
Just like adults, children need strong, robust guts! If your child is struggling with behavior or mood issues– consider having their gut tested and seeing if there are natural ways to help calm them down, or amp them up– and balance their mood.
#3 – Your brain impacts your gut just as much as your dietary choices do!
Psychological stress has been proven to suppress the beneficial bacteria in your gut. You read that clearly! You can eat as healthy as you want and take excellent probiotics– but if you’re chronically stressed out– your brain will work against your efforts.
Part of improving your gut health means getting a hold on your stress. By prioritizing rest, calming hobbies, and healthy habits like regular exercise, meditation or therapy– you can literally increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Here’s how we can help:
#1 – Test your gut microbiome for dysbiosis and parasites.
Test– don’t guess! Let’s look at your microbiome through comprehensive stool labs which will help us understand the current state of your gut health.
#2 – Utilize targeted supplementation and dietary change to improve your labs.
Using the results of your labs, we will create a customized treatment plan for you. Using clinical strength probiotics and supplements designed to kill bad bacteria and promote the growth of the good– we can help you feel better. Plus, we’ll explore your diet and help give you dietary recommendations which will help amplify your treatment and help maintain your progress.
#3 – Complement your treatment with specialized acupuncture.
Part of working on your mood through healing your gut health, is reducing stress. By coming in for acupuncture regularly, we can help reduce your stress and provide a space for relaxation and peace. Acupuncture has been proven as an effective way to manage mood disorders and can help you achieve a more balanced, healthy gut.
What are you waiting for? Take back control over your gut TODAY and improve your mood for the new year. Give us a call or send us a message to get started.
