HOW YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH AFFECTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

TIPS FOR BUILDING A POSITIVE BODY IMAGE

Researchers, through many studies, have linked healthy gut function to normal central nervous system function. This explains why a disturbed gut function is responsible for the onset of anxiety and depression in people. The hormones, neurotransmitters and immunological factors released from the gut send signals to the brain either directly or through autonomic neurons. This connection is bidirectional, which means both the gut and brain can send signals to each other. As per terminology, this is the gut-brain axis.

The microbiome is defined as the population of microorganisms in the human gut along with their genetic material. The gut microbiome is essential in maintaining digestive health. Therefore, corrective steps must be taken to maintain gut microbiome diversity, for it will control dysbiosis and inflammation of the gut. This imbalance also affects neuropsychiatric health, by inducing alterations in the signaling pathways of the gut-brain axis. Studies on the gut-brain axis have highlighted the relevance of gut microbiome in controlling the dysbiosis of brain regions, specific to stress-related behaviors.