Probiotics: The other happy pill

 

Depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions. Both of these can take over your life. One common symptom of both is weight gain.

 

What is depression?

Depression symptoms vary but they can include

• feeling sad or melancholy

• loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable

• Weight gain due to appetite changes

• low energy

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Thoughts of suicide

​

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressers in your life. But feelings of anxiety can turn into anxiety disorders that should be treated. Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

• feeling nervous or tense

• increased heart rate

• increased rate of breathing

• weight gain

• gastrointestinal problems

• trouble sleeping

​

What are probiotics?

 

Probiotics are the good bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut bacteria. They can be taken as a supplement and are also found in foods like yogurt (dairy free), miso soup, kimchi and sauerkraut.

​

The brain gut connection

 

You are probably aware of your central nervous system which consists of your brain and spinal cord, but you may not have heard of the enteric nervous system. This is the nervous system of your digestive tract. The vagus nerve which is part of this system connects your gut to your brain. Your gut sends information about the gut bacteria to your brain.

 

If you've felt an upset stomach or had the feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you are nervous or upset, then you've experienced the enteric nervous system in action. This connection also works the other way. When your gut flora is not healthy your brain gets a signal from the enteric nervous system.

 

These signals can lead to anxiety and depression. 

 

How probiotics help

 

Probiotics help to balance the gut flora which sends signals to your brain to help manage anxiety and depression.

​

How I can help

 

A healthy gut flora takes some time to develop. I can help you choose the right food and supplements and make the changes needed to your diet to promote healthy gut flora. Book a free nutrition assessment here.