Mental health:
The gut microbiome's influence on your mental health
Did you know that your gut can influence your mood? Dive into the world of the tiny bacteria in your gut and discover how they control your mood and well-being. myBioma wants to help you understand this connection and take your health to a whole new level with our gut microbiome test.
In a nutshell: The gut microbiome & your mental health
Studies have shown that the gut microbiome has a significant impact on our mental health. A healthy gut flora is associated with a lower risk of anxiety, depression and stress. Researchers have found that the microorganisms in our gut produce a variety of neurotransmitters that can influence our mood and behavior. An unbalanced gut microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, can affect mental health.
The influence of the gut microbiome on your mental health
The relationship between mental health and the gut microbiome is complex and further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms. What is clear so far is that our gut microbiome is in direct communication with our brain and therefore has an influence on our mental well-being. The most important connections are explained here:
Gut-brain axis
The gut has the second largest nerve network in the body after the brain and is also the production site for many neurotransmitters and hormones. Information is transmitted between the gut and the brain without any breaks. This two-way communication is known as the gut-brain axis. One of the main pathways for this communication is the vagus nerve. It connects our digestive system directly to our brain. You can think of it as a highway through which the brain sends signals to the gut and the gut sends signals to the brain. Changes in the gut microbiome can influence the signals along the gut-brain axis and thus affect mental health. Conversely, stress and anxiety trigger altered activity in the gut, which can result in nausea, loss of appetite or diarrhea, for example.
Neurotransmitter and hormone production
Our gut bacteria are involved in the production of many neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These messengers play a key role in the regulation of mood and emotional well-being. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can affect the production and availability of these neurotransmitters. The gut microbiome also has an influence on our sleep-wake cycle. Here, too, the production of the aforementioned neurotransmitters and the sleep hormone melatonin play a role. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, stress, anxiety and depression can trigger or worsen sleep disorders. Poor sleep in turn has a negative effect on the intestinal flora, which can result in increased inflammatory markers and an increased release of stress hormones.
Immune system and inflammatory reactions
Dysbiosis in the gut can lead to increased inflammatory reactions and a weakened immune system, which in turn increases the risk of mental health problems. People with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease suffer from anxiety and depression with striking frequency. This underlines the importance of taking a holistic view of gut health and mental health.
Reducing stress for a healthy gut microbiome
Alongside a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, stress management is one of the most important levers for a healthy gut microbiome. Reducing stress supports your gut microbiome in many ways and, as a result, your mental health and psychological well-being.
With the myBioma gut microbiome test, you not only get insights into the microbial composition of your gut, but also personalized recommendations to help you optimize your gut microbiome and promote your mental well-being.
Discover your microbiome with our test
With our test, you can sustainably improve your well-being and quality of life. It shows you which bacteria live in your gut and what they are responsible for. You will receive personalized recommendations based on your results to strengthen your microbiome through diet and lifestyle.
Blog articles on the topic of the gut microbiome & mental health
If you would like to find out more about the gut microbiome and mental health, we can recommend our blog where you will find lots of interesting articles on the subject.
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Depression: Is the reason the gut?
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How your diet affects your mood
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Immune system, mental health and microbiome
Read articleWhat these three supposedly different areas have to do with each other. Our understanding of how the psyche is connected to the immune system and our microbiome ...
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Bliss Balls Recipe: Natural Mood Enhancer
Read articleEnergy balls, energy balls or bliss balls – our recipe contains ingredients that can be a real mood booster. Did you know that your diet can have a significant impact on your well-being? ...
