Depression Starts in the Gut

Did you know your gut health may affect your mood and behavior? The belief that gut health is connected to mental well-being dates back more than a hundred years but the interest in gut health has never been stronger and the exploration into the gut microbiota has revealed a close relation between behavioural issues, mood, and bacteria imbalance.

Research has shown the gut microbiota influences brain chemistry and behaviour. For example, people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the associated cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, commonly suffer from depression and anxiety as well.

The intestinal wall is our border with the outside world. Because the gut is where things from the outside (like food) are absorbed inside our bodies, the intestinal wall is designed to handle many types of interactions with foreign matter. Considering the functions of our gut, it makes sense that most of our immune cells are located in the gut. Further, the gut is home to our microbiome, the trillions of beneficial microbes that live inside our gastrointestinal tract. When a potential threat is sensed in the gut, large, far-reaching inflammation occurs. This inflammation can travel directly from your gut to your brain.

Inflammation of the gut has been linked to causing several mental illnesses including anxiety and depression, which are prevalent in society today. We are all at risk of chronic, silent inflammation. We eat foods that are processed beyond recognition, are sitting inside offices and cars most of the day, and are exposed to thousands of modern chemicals. Factors such as antibiotics and other medications, chlorinated water, certain foods, and stress all play a part in determining the diversity and balance of the gut bacteria and, therefore, the set-point of inflammation.

The neurons in the gut are so innumerable that many scientists are now calling the totality of them “the second brain”. You may be surprised to find out that an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the amount of serotonin in your body is manufactured by the nerve cells in your gut. In fact, your gut’s brain makes more serotonin – the master happiness molecule – than the brain in your head does.

Gut microbes help control inflammation. The balance and diversity of gut bacteria regulates how much inflammation occurs in the body. Healthy levels of a variety of good bacteria limit the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body and in the brain.

Gut microbes bolster the intestinal wall’s integrity and prevent gut permeability. A leaky gut brought on by an imbalance of gut bacteria allows various proteins normally found in the gut to make their way through the gut wall and challenge the immune system. This scenario turns on an immune response that again leads to inflammation.

It’s hard to believe that by altering the bacteria in your gut, you can better handle stress, improve your mood, and even treat your anxiety or depression. We know that you can alter your gut bacteria in a way that positively affects your mood and brain function. One of the primary ways you can do this is by taking probiotics.

Taking a good, natural, non-freeze-dried probiotic such as Rawbiotics will assist in promoting a healthy gut environment. It is vital to ensure your gut is balanced and is being replenished with the right nutrients and good bacteria.

Rawbiotics GUT balances the function of the gastro-intestinal tract and works to correct imbalances that lead to digestive disorders such as IBS, bloating, acid reflux, diarrhea and constipation as well as mentally with depression, anxiety and stress.

WATCH THE VIDEO :How I Overcame Anxiety and Depression: Gut Health Was The Key. Kriben talks about his struggle with anxiety and depression and found that using probiotics he could heal his gut and overcome his anxiety and depression.

Click here for more information on Rawbiotics products