Are Gut Issues At The Root Of Your Anxiety

You’ve probably experienced that "gut-wrenching" feeling of anxiety or the "butterflies" in your stomach before a big event. It turns out these sensations aren’t just poetic expressions as they reflect a real, complex connection between your gut and your brain. Often referred to as the "second brain," your gut has a significant impact on your emotions and mental wellbeing. Let’s explore how this gut brain connection works, why it matters, and what you can do to keep both your gut and mind in top shape.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

To start with, let’s talk about the "gut-brain axis." This term describes the two-way communication system between your gut and your brain. It’s not just a casual conversation; it's a highly coordinated and ongoing dialogue that affects many aspects of your health.

When you encounter a stressor, your brain sends signals to your gut to prepare your body for a "fight or flight" response. This means diverting blood flow away from your digestive system and toward organs like your heart and lungs. This ancient survival mechanism helps you react quickly to threats but also shows how intertwined your gut and brain are.

This connection also means that if your gut health is compromised, it can directly impact your mental health. Problems like gut inflammation or imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to or exacerbate issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. Understanding this connection can be key to addressing both physical and mental health concerns.

How Your Gut and Brain Communicate

Your gut and brain communicate through neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that transmit signals throughout your nervous system. Neurotransmitters are crucial for regulating mood, emotions, and even behavior. While your brain produces neurotransmitters that influence your feelings, your gut does the same.

One major player in this process is serotonin, often dubbed the "happy hormone." Serotonin is known for its role in regulating mood, anxiety, and happiness. Remarkably, about 95% of your body’s serotonin is produced by gut bacteria. When your gut health is compromised, it can lead to reduced serotonin levels, which might explain why you’re feeling down or anxious. 

Another important neurotransmitter produced in the gut is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is known for its calming effects and helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. If your gut bacteria is out of balance, you might not produce enough GABA, which can leave you feeling more anxious and less able to relax.

Your gut is also home to around 500 million neurons, which connect to the brain through the vagus nerve. This nerve is the largest nerve connecting your gut to your brain and plays a crucial role in regulating communication between the two. The vagus nerve controls messages to your gut, heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Research into the vagus nerve has revealed its influence on various health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. This area of study is known as the polyvagal theory.

How Gut Health Influences Anxiety

Now that we know how the gut and brain communicate, let’s dive into how gut health specifically affects anxiety. If your gut bacteria is imbalanced, it can disrupt serotonin production, making you more susceptible to low moods and anxiety. Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for ensuring a steady supply of serotonin, which helps keep your mood balanced.

Similarly, low levels of GABA can contribute to feelings of anxiety. If your gut bacteria is out of balance and you’re producing insufficient GABA, you might struggle with anxiety and have difficulty calming down. This imbalance can make it harder to manage stress and find relaxation.

Anxiety doesn’t just affect the brain; it can also impact your gut. Stress and anxiety can lead to gastrointestinal issues like constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. This creates a vicious cycle where anxiety exacerbates gut problems, and gut issues can worsen anxiety. For example, you might experience digestive discomfort before a stressful event or find that anxiety triggers changes in your bowel habits.

Breaking the Cycle: Improving Gut Health

So, how can you break this cycle and improve both your gut and mental health? The good news is that there are effective strategies to address gut imbalances and support overall well-being.

1. Focus on Diet: Your diet plays a crucial role in gut health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can support healthy gut bacteria. Foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented products (such as kimchi, tempeh and sauerkraut) are great for nurturing a healthy gut microbiome.
2. Manage Stress: Stress management is vital for both gut and mental health. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and its impact on your gut. Finding effective ways to relax and cope with stress can improve your overall well-being.  Explore our membership platform for a variety of guided breathwork and meditation sessions designed to help you find calm and balance.
3. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can positively influence gut health by promoting a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. Exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to better mental health.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining a healthy gut. Proper hydration supports digestion and helps keep your gut functioning smoothly.  Ensure your water is filtered with a good-quality filter to support optimal digestion. Check out our filter recommendations here for the best options. 
5. Consider Gut Health Protocols: If you’re struggling with gut issues, specific gut health protocols can be highly effective. These protocols often include dietary adjustments, supplements, and lifestyle changes designed to restore balance to your gut microbiome. While working with us one-on-one and running labs might not be financially feasible for everyone, our GI protocol offers a practical and proven alternative. This best-selling protocol has been successful for hundreds of individuals, providing an effective solution for those looking to enhance their gut health.

Probiotics: Proceed with Caution

Many people turn to probiotics to improve gut health, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. While probiotics can be beneficial, not all of them are suitable for everyone, and some might even trigger histamine issues or worsen anxiety. It’s important to address any gut imbalances before starting probiotics and to choose strains carefully if you decide to use them.

Identifying Underlying Issues

Sometimes, anxiety and gut problems are symptoms of deeper issues, such as heavy metal toxicity or food sensitivities. Running lab tests, such as our Comprehensive Stool Test, can help identify underlying causes of digestive issues by analysing your gut flora and detecting imbalances. This information allows for more targeted and effective treatment approaches. If working with a specialist isn’t feasible, focusing on general gut health improvements and stress management can still make a significant difference.

CBD Oil: A Natural Option

If you're seeking additional support while working on your gut health, high-quality, full-spectrum CBD oil can be a valuable ally. Derived from hemp, CBD oil is known for its calming effects and has shown promise in managing anxiety symptoms and supporting relaxation. For best results, we recommend taking 20-25mg under your tongue whenever you start to feel anxious.

Final Thoughts

The connection between your gut and brain is a powerful one, influencing your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. By understanding and addressing this gut-brain connection, you can take steps to improve both your gut health and emotional well-being. While the science behind this relationship continues to evolve, taking a proactive approach to gut health can have a meaningful impact on your mental and physical health.

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or simply want to boost your mood, focusing on gut health is a crucial step. By making dietary changes, managing stress, staying active, and considering targeted protocols or supplements like CBD oil, you can support a healthier gut and a more balanced mental state. Remember, taking care of your gut is an investment in your overall well-being, and the benefits can extend far beyond just feeling better physically.