Depression is Linked to our Gut Health

Gut health is directly connected to depression; the latest research from scientists reveals the close relationship between our brain and stomach. Our microbiome is an important factor for our overall health, both mental and physical.

The Independent reported on a study that showed bacteria triggered anxiety and depressive behaviour in mice, but this isn’t the only report that supports this theory. It’s often been something that has been overlooked as some thought it was preposterous that our gut could cause depression. But it comes as no shock to many professionals. We have over 100 trillion bacteria living symbiotically in us, making up nine-tenths of our body. This shows why it’s so important to feed our body with good bacteria. There are messages from the gut to the brain and when our intestine health has been compromised so will our brains.

The Benefits of a Healthy Gut

·      More energy

·      Healthier brain

·      Improves mood

·      Strengthens your immune system

·      Reduces yeast infection

·      Contributes to longevity

How you can Improve your Microbiome

Cut out processed foods

Something you may have fathomed without the assistance of a scientific study. Processed foods and sugars proved costly to mice in a study showing signs of short memory loss and a severely effected gut bacteria. Sugar also feeds candida, a common type of yeast infection.

Increase your fiber

The consensus on fruit ranges, but the study sphere seems unequivocal on eating more plant-based foods. Many reiterate the importance of feeding your body leafy greens and vegetables. The variety of good vegetables could help keep our intestinal lining intact.

Limit antibiotics

There may be times that antibiotics are important for consumption but many children are prescribed at least one batch of antibiotics a year. That could permanently change the microbiota.

Take probiotics

Every micrbiome is different and some will thrive from various bacteria. Find probiotics that contain Lactobacillus plantarum,Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium lactis (B. animalis), andBifidobacterium longum.

Consume fermented foods

Fermenting foods has been an ideology that has been around for over 8,000 years. Try and find different fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir, pickles, yoghurt and many others.

Lower Stress

Try to reduce your stress; in another article we suggested ways to combat common stress denominators. As you can imagine, stress causes a serious reaction within our body. Our natural response is to release adrenaline and natural steroids. We go into flight mode as if we are being chased or we are in survival mode but being stressed over work and other deadlines can dramatically effect your health. Our immune system is impacted as our body sends out inflammation messages.

Sleep well

If we don’t achieve enough sleep consistently then again, we will be impacted by inflammatory messages that our body sends out. It is key to get peaceful sleep and we should be aiming for around 8 hours a night.

Consume less animal products

Studies have found that animal products can have a detrimental affect on our gut health. Sonnenburgs’ research showed that vegetarians and vegans fared better when it came to the heart impacting chemical, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO).

Start looking at positively transforming your health and steering away from potential depression causes. The ground-breaking research has sent ripples throughout labs around the world. There’s plenty of studies that show a huge correlation between brain and gut health. But there’s a lot more than just correlating patterns that bring this conclusion. Start finding vegetables that could help you as well as finding probiotics and fermented foods. Get everything you need for less with our Sainsburys, Holland & Barratt and Tesco voucher codes.

 By Daniel Treasure, 13th September 2016.