In this weeks episode I’m discussing the connection between our guts and our brain. How our digestion and the food we eat can directly affect our mood and our mental health.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
It is the super highway nerve that connects our digestive system to our brain. The key thing to note with the vagus nerve is that 80% of the messages come FROM the gut to the brain. This is why your gut brain axis and your digestive health is so important to your mental health.
Chronic Ill Health
The leading cause of disability in The Global Burden of Disease study found that mental and substance use disorders were the leading cause of disability. Often we think of illness in terms of conditions and treatments, but if you are unable to carry out your normal life through ill health then that is a disability. And 40% of these is what we would class as depression. With anxiety taking an honorary second place.
Whilst there are many risk factors in mental health disorders, there has been much research around the link between this and our digestive health. Studies in Australia, Spain and Norway show direct correlation between the quality of diet and mental health disorders.
Microbiome Health
Another key link is the health and diversity of our microbiome. I am keen on testing diversity and am always amazed at the research that is emerging all the time that shows different digestive strains (or lack of them) are linked to poor mental health.
The key with microbiome health is diversity. We are not able to take and monitor everyones gut microbes and so we can only measure trends and put in protocols to support our clients.
Brain Performance Diet
I wish there was a specific diet that we could prescribe, but it is clear that there is a really strong link between processed foods and poor mental health. Whether it is the lack of nutrition or the damage to our microbiome it isn’t clear, but what is clear is that there is a link.
Eating a diverse diet, one that you enjoy. One that has the widest range of foods, follows the seasons and sources local produce seems to be best.
Alongside reducing stress, promoting sleep and having a good support network also significantly improve our mental wellbeing.
My links
Does what you eat affect your mood? Let me know!