Exploring Gut and brain connection in Mental Health

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Hi everyone,

I would urge you all to find the time to listen to the podcast of Conversations with Richard Fidler on ABC Radio today 16/3/17. "Exploring the science of gut feeling"

It is an interview with Dr. Guilia Enders, Author of "Gut: the inside story of our Body's Most Underrated Organ". She is a medical Dr, who is now doing a phD on the link btw the human digestive system and overall physical and mental wellbeing

She discusses the relationship between the gut and it's microflora and the brain. Especially, the last half of interview (final 20-25minutes) which discusses the connection between this and depression, as well as general mood & our sense of well being and in our sense of just being.

Valuable information. There is a lot of research happening on this. Fascinating stuff, it makes me hopeful that treatment breakthroughs are on the horizon and that treatments may become easier and with less adverse effects than anything we currently have.

Lee!

[Just Sara]

Just brilliant Lee!

I've read how our gut is the newly discovered 'other brain'.

Will take a look-see and report back.

Thanks heaps...

Sara

[CMF]

Thanks Lee,

I have heard about this connection somewhere.

Thank you for sharing. tI makes good sense, foods we eat are to nourish our bodies (not processed junk food of course). We have been given this earth to grow food to sustain life and we are slowly destroying it and destroying ourselves as we eat more and more processed foods. All the additives and chemicals put into our foods affects our cells and brain chemistry. Good, wholesome, natural foods are beneficial and support different parts of our bodies.

Great topic, thank you.

CMF

[Just Sara]

Hi Lee;

Where does the 'Self' reside yeah? How very interesting. I've already ordered her book with much anticipation.

As for probiotics, I've coincidentally been eating natural Greek yoghurt for the past few days. I've noticed a positive effect with 'regularity' and 'quality'. Gee, finding non offensive words can be tenuous. ha ha

My view atm, is that 'real' food has a better chance at stabilizing mood because I've tested it on myself. As anecdotal evidence goes, the results were pretty amazing.

I cut out sugar, including flour as it's a simple sugar, and as much 'unhealthy' fats as possible. (Fats are essential for metabolizing proteins and carbs) Within 48 hrs, my sleep was better and my mood was calmer. After 5 days, I was having quality sleep like nothing I remember, and I couldn't believe how calm and 'with-it' I was.

The problem for me was the addictive factor. I soon learned how difficult it was to keep those pangs at bay and fell off the wagon after 7 days.

I agree with Ms Enders about needing an holistic approach from the scientific community when it comes to research. Just focusing on the gut, brain or liver isn't enough as they all work together.

Great thread Lee!

Sara

[Just Sara]

Hi Lee;

I've just been reading a blog from a naturapath working with Pete Evans (My Kitchen Rules) which promotes the Paleo Diet, especially the dangerous effects of Gluten, not only on the gastrointestinal tract, but the brain.

The link is;

https://thepaleoway.com/blog/the-dangers-of-the-paleo-way-2/

This is currently a contentious theory among the scientific community and advocates ($?) of popular food groups such as Dairy and especially Grains. I found her writing informative, though after a while, it became monotonous.

Another point for me, was feeling exacerbated by the threat of lifestyle choices that will eventually kill me. Her references to research was an eye opener, but again, it leaves little to the imagination as to how we adopt such a strict diet in this day and age.

If you choose to have a look-see, I'd be interested in your opinions.

Sara

[maddie_davies]

Hello Lee,

Thanks for sharing that info.

Gut health is essential when it comes to depression and mental health - in fact, your gut stores 95% of serotonin! I've been doing more research as it seems that every time anxiety / depression quicks, my abdomen just gets super bloated, so maybe taking care of the gut will help me take care of my mind.

Dunno if you follow Kale Brock, he's an aussie gut health journalist doing some video series about it, pretty interesting to watch.

Hope this information and research makes people more aware of the importance of a healthy diet and self-care. Not everything is in your head - sometimes it's in your gut!

Maddie

[PamelaR]

Hi Maddie Davies and welcome to Beyond Blue forums

It's good you have joined our forums. Just letting you know this thread is a year old so you may not get many people coming past.

You are welcome to start your own thread. Select the category you think best suits your circumstances and share your story - if you want to. No pressure.

Under the Staying Well forum you'll find a newer 'Self Care Ideas'. Have a look if you like and post some of your great ideas.

I completely agree that the gut can be an indicator of one's mental health. I learnt this some time ago. My stomach gets really upset when I'm angry or am bothered by something. Learning to listen to what your body is telling you is a good self care idea. Something that I must add to the thread too.

Kind regards

PamelaR.