That gut feeling
The connection between the brain and the body holds power over your health and well-being
While you may have heard the gut referred to as a person's second brain, it’s quite possible that you didn’t realise the profound impact it could have on your mental health.
I definitely didn't, until I experienced the first-hand impact of how a constant state of stress influenced my daily bowel movements.
Recent international research highlights a compelling link between gut health and mental well-being, as studies show the prevalence and impact on society today.
Shedding light on this complex connection is Gold Coast Functional Diagnostic Nutritional Practitioner, Summer Dingemanse.
Summer struggled with persistent gut issues and a frustrated lack of answers from medical professionals for many years. There came a static moment as the unanswered questions led her to take matters into her own hands. This journey allowed her to discover that pain in one location could be influenced by a completely different part in the body or mind.
“Everything in your body is linked and if something is happening that is not right within your body, there is bound to be more happening deep within that is what is causing those symptoms,” she said.
Summer Dingemanse
Summer Dingemanse
Scientists have said the connection between the gut and nervous system can be called the “microbiota-gut-brain-axis”.
It is a highway of communication between the different parts of our body, but unfortunately, no one is entirely sure how it works.
However, ongoing research shows it could involve a few pathways.
There's the possibility that nerve signals are travelling back and forth between the gut and the brain via the vagus nerve.
This would allow the chemicals to act like messages called neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.
This communication link can influence the chemical messengers to release dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine to react a certain way within the brain.
Researchers from University College Cork, Ireland in their journal ‘Gut Microbiota: A Perspective for Psychiatrists’ found that approximately 95% of the serotonin in the body is isolated within the gut.
This reveals the crucial role, the gut plays in shaping mental health and well-being for people.
Summer simply said, “the gut and the brain are connected" as anyone struggling with the mental areas in their life is guaranteed to have some sort of issue stemming from the gut.
Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis by Jordann on Canva
Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis by Jordann on Canva
Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis by Jordann on Canva
Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis by Jordann on Canva
“Here is a scenario, you are struggling physically, mentally, and emotionally from the stressors of your life. Whether it be your job, your training, or your relationships. You decide to go on a holiday to get away. Within a few days into your holiday, you notice your gut issues feel better, you're thinking clearer and just feel a whole lot happier within yourself. This is not a coincidence in the least! Your body literally does not know the difference between physical, mental, or emotional stress. If you are stressed in any of these ways or in all three ways, your body will tell you and symptoms will appear,” she said.
Summer believes that stress is the primary trigger for illness and disease, which can often lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. For instance, a common problem like yeast overgrowth or bacterial overgrowth within the gut can stem from stress in all forms.
“This causes the bacteria and yeast to ferment and rot within the gut, causing a great abundance of toxins that are expelled throughout the body. Sometimes these toxins can cross the blood-brain barrier resulting in a lot of neurological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social phobia,” she said.
This particular interplay between our gut and mental well-being is concerning as the Australian Journal of General Practice found that their patients with mental health issues are twice as likely to also experience gastro-oesophageal reflux.
The prevalence of all surveyed physical conditions was higher among patients with severe mental illness than patients without (Belcher et al. 2021). Graph created by Jordann on Canva
The prevalence of all surveyed physical conditions was higher among patients with severe mental illness than patients without (Belcher et al. 2021). Graph created by Jordann on Canva
Supporting these insights is data from the Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Uppsala University, Sweden, which found depression and anxiety to be the most common mental health concerns.
Strikingly, approximately 60% of those who seek medical care for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) suffer from depression and anxiety.
Summer suggests that this occurs because a substantial amount of the population, uses all their energy to remain in a stressful state of mind. In doing so the body prioritises that emotion and then forgets to operate all other systems.
“Because of this, we won't be able to digest our food properly leading to malabsorption of the nutrients which then leads to disease within the body,” she said.
Gradually making simple changes can make a huge difference. Summer pointed out the importance of eating in a relaxed state to improve the connection between the gut and nervous system.
“A simple way to get into this state is to take your meal outside and eat in the sunshine. Remove yourself from any form of technology and focus on what you are eating. Begin to smell your food and take time to chew. These actions put our bodies into the parasympathetic state, therefore enhancing digestion,” she said.
In a separate 4-week clinical trial, researchers examined the long-term consumption of Lactobacillus gasseri, a bacterium found in the vaginal microbiome. This trial found that the consumption improved mental well-being, sleep quality, and the overall gut microbiota under stressful conditions. Indicating that this incorporation could also be a helpful and simple change.
As someone who embarked on a journey to explore my own gut and brain connection under the guidance of Summer, I can personally share how allowing myself to understand how my thoughts impact my gut has improved the quality of my life.
Small mindful changes such as daily activity and eating in a calm state can truly enhance a person's overall well-being. This journey has left me feeling much happier.
Jordann Lavers
Jordann Lavers
While the understanding of the microbiota-gut-axis continues to evolve, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you are having concerns in any area of your health and well-being.
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