The Gut Mind Connection: The Influence of Gut Health on Mental Wellbeing

In last week's episode of EZ Conversations, I was joined by Linn Rivers (Listen Here). We explored a topic that needs more consideration in the mental health space: gut health and the impact the integrity of our gut has on our overall well-being. Linn shared her journey of overcoming trauma, grief, and other chronic illnesses through her focus on her diet and gut health. Sadly, many people do not take this topic seriously and often look for a convenient solution for their diet. People will consume many foods that damage gut flora, which can often not be repaired and cause significant issues. Many chronic illnesses and problems can be due to a poorly managed diet. While there are many diets out there, and people will swear by the one they are on, maintaining our gut health can be pretty simple once we understand what works and does not. I did research a couple of years ago and made tweaks while abstaining from certain foods that impacted me, and I have felt great physically and mentally. I have much more energy, focus and clarity throughout the day, allowing me to produce consistent work and keep up with my daily exercise goals.

A few things Linn and I explored in the episode centred around the role of medical doctors in providing us with relevant information that can help with our gut health. Unfortunately, these things are not covered in substantial detail in the medical school. When I request my blood test, I have had to ask my family doctor for specific tests to help me monitor my biomarkers and improve my choices. The other thing we touched on was the role antibiotics play in damaging the flora of our gut health. It is staggering to see the impact antibiotics can have. Unfortunately, the Western medical system has focused on a reactive approach to tackling the symptom rather than the root cause. However, the fact that we are having these conversations demonstrates that change is happening. But we still have a long way to go; sometimes, that damage cannot be reversed.

Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to expand on gut and mind connection and why it is crucial for our mental well-being. In recent years, a growing body of research has illuminated the intricate relationship between gut health and mental well-being. While the concept of gut health impacting mental health isn't entirely new, the depth of understanding and acknowledgment of this relationship has increased significantly. However, despite mounting evidence, functional health approaches often need to be added to the periphery of recognition. Could the influence of pharmaceutical companies and the tenets of capitalism contribute to this oversight?

Understanding the Gut-Mind Connection: The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. These microorganisms are crucial in various physiological functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system regulation. However, emerging research suggests that the gut microbiota also profoundly influences brain health and mental well-being.

The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gut and the brain, facilitates the exchange of signals through neural, hormonal, and immune pathways. This communication network allows the gut microbiota to modulate brain function and influence behaviour, mood, and cognition. Disruptions in the gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to a range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Evidence Supporting the Gut-Mind Connection: Numerous studies have underscored the significance of gut health in mental health outcomes:

1. A study published in Nature Microbiology found that individuals with depression had alterations in their gut microbiota composition compared to healthy controls, indicating a potential link between gut dysbiosis and depression (Zheng et al., 2016).

2. Research published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in regulating stress response and anxiety-related behaviours (Foster & McVey Neufeld, 2013).

3. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry concluded that probiotics supplementation significantly improved symptoms of depression (Huang et al., 2016).

Challenges to Recognition of Functional Health: Despite the growing evidence supporting the gut-mind connection and the potential benefits of functional health approaches, these practices often need help gaining recognition. Several factors may contribute to this phenomenon:

1. Pharmaceutical Influence: The pharmaceutical industry wields considerable influence over medical practices and research funding. Since functional health approaches often prioritize lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions, and natural supplements over pharmaceuticals, they may need support and promotion from pharmaceutical companies.

2. Capitalistic Incentives: The healthcare industry operates within a capitalist framework, where profit often precedes preventive or holistic approaches. Functional health practices, which emphasize self-care, dietary modifications, and natural remedies, may not align with the profit-driven motives of pharmaceutical companies and conventional medical establishments.

3. Lack of Standardization: Functional health practices often lack standardized protocols and guidelines, hindering their integration into mainstream healthcare systems. Without standardized practices, conducting large-scale clinical trials or establishing regulatory frameworks becomes challenging, further impeding recognition and acceptance.

The burgeoning field of research elucidating the gut-mind connection underscores the profound impact of gut health on mental well-being. However, despite compelling evidence, functional health approaches prioritizing gut health interventions may need help to gain recognition within the current healthcare landscape. Factors such as pharmaceutical influence and capitalistic incentives may contribute to the marginalization of functional health practices. As awareness grows and more research is conducted, bridging the gap between conventional and practical approaches to healthcare becomes imperative for promoting holistic well-being.

References:

1. Zheng, P., Zeng, B., Zhou, C., Liu, M., Fang, Z., Xu, X., ... & Xie, P. (2016). Gut microbiome remodeling induces depressive-like behaviors through a pathway mediated by the host's metabolism. Nature Microbiology, 2(6), 1-10.

2. Foster, J. A., & McVey Neufeld, K. A. (2013). Gut–brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences, 36(5), 305-312.

3. Huang, R., Wang, K., & Hu, J. (2016). Effect of probiotics on depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. JAMA Psychiatry, 74(6), 1-10.

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