Gut Health and Mental Health

Shared by Dr. Bryan Stephens

While listening to School of Greatness this morning, I was reminded of a fact that often gets overlooked. Ninety-five percent of the serotonin in our body is produced in the gut. This is also greatly impacted by our microbiome. When we have the proper bacteria in our intestine and are able to function in a healthy manner, we get proper communication with the brain via the gut brain axis. There have been multiple studies connecting the microbiome to mood and mental health.

“dysbiosis and associated increases in intestinal permeability are now recognized features of rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, autism spectrum disorders, and other systemic conditions both inflammatory and otherwise.”

Appleton J. The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2018 Aug;17(4):28-32. PMID: 31043907; PMCID: PMC6469458.

Poor bacteria have also been shown to increase feelings of anxiety and even clinical depression while proper bacteria helped alleviate these feelings and helped encourage proper sleep cycles along with melatonin. This assists with more than just serotonin and mood, but also impacts hormones, the endocrine system, and the immune system.

There is also a big impact on the inflammation that occurs throughout the body when the improper gut bacteria are present. Increased swelling increases larger gaps in the gut wall that encourages larger proteins to get through. This is known as having a “leaky gut” and increases immune responses in the body which also adds to inflammation. All of this inflammation works on the body by increasing neck pain, back pain, and increases the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This is why a healthy gut is so important to more than just digestion. It affects so much throughout the body in total.

Our Message

When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you that you can trust, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. Our East Dallas Chiropractors located in Lakewood, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., are here to teach you that taking care of your mental health and getting the proper nutrients are just as important as the chiropractic adjustment to stay healthy.