Gut Health & Anxiety 

Many of us have heard of the gut-to-brain connection, but did you know that having a compromised gut can contribute to anxiety and other mental health issues? Who knew?!

As you recall, Leaky Gut Syndrome, also known as intestinal permeability, is when the stomach lining becomes damaged with tiny holes, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to escape into our bloodstream. When this happens, the body goes into high alert triggering an immune response which often leads to inflammation, bloating, discomfort, and a variety of health issues.

Gut Health & Anxiety Link

You wouldn’t think your gut health would affect your mental health, but it most certainly does. When the gut is compromised and unhealthy, it can cause imbalances in the body that affect the brain. The gut produces nearly 95% of the body’s serotonin which is the neurotransmitter responsible for mood, appetite, and sleep. You’d think it was the brain, right? Wrong. It’s the gut! A healthy gut microbiome is essential for the production of serotonin, aka the feel-good-hormone, and a lack of it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. 

What causes poor gut health?

Stress and poor diet are two of the biggest contributing factors to both gut health and anxiety. Studies have shown that stress causes pain in the stomach which can lead to problems digesting food. It can also lead to a gut imbalance which is linked to depression and anxiety. Additionally, poor diet, lack of sleep, and overuse of antibiotics contribute to making of the holes in your gut lining.  

Tips for improving gut and mental health:

1. Eat a balanced diet rich in organic whole foods, fiber, grass fed & pasture-raised meats, and fermented foods like coconut yogurt and sauerkraut. 
2. Avoid processed and fast foods at all costs. Eating those foods will only keep you where you’re at. 
3. Get 7-8 hours sleep each night. Don’t stay up watching tv or gaming. Your health is at stake!
4. Avoid antibiotics unless necessary. 
5. Consider a consultation with a holistic, functional medicine practitioner. Look at their reviews and see what their patient’s experiences have been. Finding that right holistic doctor is key. 

If you have more questions or would like to schedule a consultation or a new patient appointment with Dr. Dady at The Center for Health & Healing, just call, 770-590-7771. 

You’ll be that much closer to identifying your health issues and getting your health back on track!