If you’re like most people you’re probably overwhelmed with all the media hype about the gut-brain connection and the human microbiome. Could those trillions of little bugs that share your body possibly influence your mood and behaviour? Word has it that it seems so. There are an estimated 10 times the amount of microbial cells to human cells. They all carry out a number of metabolic reactions necessary to maintain good health.

What do you do everyday that influences your gut bacteria?

Like any ecosystem the inhabitants compete for existence. The environment you provide dictates which inhabitants will or won’t thrive. Your fast and busy lifestyle full of stress and sub-optimal dietary choices has an impact on your gut environment. Other influences include:

• Illness, both current and past
• Bacterial, parasitic or yeast infection
• Environment
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Food toxins
• Toxins
• Medications including antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
• Surgery
• Type of birth
• Enzyme deficiencies

How can you tell if your gut microbiome is affecting your brain?

There are a few day to day markers which suggest that it is time to work on the microbiota balance in your gut.

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Concentration issues
• Loss of memory
• Dementia
• ADHD
• Headaches

So you want to be happy for the rest of our life?

Balancing your gut microbiome is a great place to start. And it may be easier than you think. Your gut microbiome influences the production of the feel good neurotransmitter, serotonin. The gut-brain axis is an information super highway of hundreds of millions of neurons. These let you know if you are hungry, experiencing stress, have eaten something you shouldn’t have. Have you ever noticed the strange feeling you get in your gut when you are scared?

What about Probiotics?

Sometimes a good probiotic will encourage the re-establishment of the gut microbiome you want to be happy and healthy. Eating a whole food diet with plenty of fresh organic vegetables, some fruit, healthy oils such as olive and coconut, fish, nuts and garlic will all help to enhance your mood. It will also provide an environment that encourages the growth of the microbiota that is best for your health. Add in some sunshine, exercise and relaxation and you have the foundation for success and happiness.

Want to know more?

Naturopath Janne Ramsay

Janne Ramsay is a degree qualified Naturopath with a special interest in digestive and genetic health.   Janne will help you identify what needs to be done to get your health back on track. You will be provided with support and protocols to help get your gut microbiome in the state it should be to head towards health and happiness. Find out more and book in to see Janne here or come along and join in Janne's free workshop Good Digestion = Great Health