Ever Feel Your 'Gut Instinct'? Know How Your Microbiome Literally Shapes Your Mood

What Exactly Is the Microbiome?

The microbiome refers to the genetic material of the tiny organisms living inside you. Shockingly, only 43% of the cells in your body are human—the rest belong to your microbiome. These microbes work hard to keep you healthy, helping with digestion, immune function, and even mental health.

It’s often called our “second genome” because it is involved in everything; from allergies and obesity to depression and even how well cancer drugs work.

All About Your Gut-Brain Axis

Your gut and brain are constantly communicating through the gut-brain axis, a complex network of the nervous system, hormones, metabolism, and immune responses.

Gut microbes can produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, directly influencing your emotions and behaviours. They can also impact your brain’s activity, as studies show. A study of over 200 women linked certain gut bacteria to positive emotions like happiness and hopefulness.

Also, disturbances in the gut microbiome don’t solely affect mental health, they can worsen physical health too. For example, an imbalanced microbiome (gut dysbiosis) is tied to obesity, inflammatory diseases, and even neurological disorders like Parkinson’s.

How Your Gut Impacts Mental and Physical Health

Positive emotions: A healthy gut microbiome is linked to better emotional regulation and longevity.

Negative emotions: Poor gut health can lead to anxiety, depression, and even higher risks of cardiovascular disease.

Also Read: Promoting Gut Health In Children: Expert Lists Tips To Boost Gut Health In Your Kids

Boosting Your Gut Health

The good news? You can improve your gut health and, in turn, your overall well-being with a few simple lifestyle changes:

Focus on Diet

What you eat is one of the biggest influencers on your gut microbiome.

Eat more probiotics: Found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into your gut.

Load up on prebiotics: High-fibre foods like bananas, garlic, onions, and asparagus feed the good bacteria in your gut.

Avoid processed foods: Diets high in sugar and fat can disrupt your gut balance, leading to mood swings and poor brain health.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise doesn’t just improve heart health, it also promotes a more diverse and balanced microbiome. Research says that it can also improve your gut health, which may control obesity.

Try Mindfulness Practices

Techniques like meditation and cognitive behavioural therapy can positively influence your gut microbiota (a collective of fungi, viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms), improving both mental and physical health.

Cut Down on Sugar and Sweeteners

According to research, excessive sugar and artificial sweeteners can cause an imbalance in gut microbes, negatively impacting mood and mental clarity.

Consider Plant-Based Eating

Studies show that vegetarians have healthier gut microbiomes, thanks to the high levels of fibre in plant-based diets. Even a temporary shift to vegetarianism can have a significant impact.

Takeaway

Your gut-instinct wasn’t always wrong, that pit in your stomach was real. Now you know your gut doesn’t solely look after your digestion and allied processes, it’s also a powerful player in your mental and physical health. By being kind to your microbiome with the right foods, exercise, and mindful habits, you can channelise your gut feelings and improve your mood, energy, and overall well-being!