Episode 91: How Does Your Child’s Gut Health Affect Their Mood & Mental Health
I often get asked whether having a sensitive child is linked to having a sensitive gut, and the answer is yes! The gut controls so much when it comes to mood and mental health through the gut-brain axis.
The gut-brain axis is a two-way connection between the gut and the brain. Your brain can affect your gut, and your gut can affect your brain.
In this podcast episode I will be sharing knowledge on:
- What exactly is the gut-brain axis;
- The essential brain chemicals that are affected by the health of our gut;
- Key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin and why microbiome diversity is vital for balancing these neurotransmitters which assist with mood, sleep, and behaviour;
- I discuss why mental health isn’t just related to neurotransmitters, and the link between dysbiosis and pathogens and its effect on mental health outcomes;
- The link between gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and inflammation, and how inflammation is a huge driving factor for mental health and mood disorders;
- I discuss the research behind gut health and mood disorders including:
- Studies have shown people who repeatedly use antibiotics are more likely to experience anxiety and depression;
- An animal study linking the state of gut bacteria can have a significant influence on the brain;
- Plus another study that shows adding a good strain of bacteria to the guts of mice reduced their anxiety levels;
I hope this helps you better understand the link between gut health and mood. If you’re dealing with mental health and mood disorders in your home, gut health should always be a consideration.
