Poor gut health linked to mental health conditions

Communication is the key to any cohesive relationship, and believe it or not, our gastrointestinal system and brain are in constant communication. Any disruption between the two, and one or both may begin to suffer.

The gut is the largest producer of serotonin in our bodies and possesses its own nervous system, which is how it’s able to talk to our central nervous system to influence how we think, move, and even feel.

Inflammation or infection in the intestines can affect the production of serotonin and can alter the good bacteria within the gut. Stress, certain foods in your day-to-day diet, or bacteria in your gut are more examples of external interruptions that can disrupt communication. The domino effect eventually gets to your head, literally.

Worsening mental health conditions are being linked to poor gut health, among other things, so experts, especially gastroenterologists, are encouraging everyone to nurture their gut with the proper nutrients.

Dr. Kunjali Padhya, a gastroenterologist with Providence-Swedish Medical, tells KIRO 7 News to consider adding kombucha, sauerkraut, or even pickles to your cart. Fermented foods and drinks are “great sources of natural probiotics.”

Obviously, fermented foods are not the cure-all for problems in the gut, which is also why Dr. Padhya encourages you to literally and figuratively listen to your gut.

If you feel something is wrong or may require medical attention, do not hesitate to reach out to a primary care doctor or a specialist like her.

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