You may have heard sayings like “trust your gut,” “go with your gut,” or “a gut instinct.” These phrases all refer to an innate knowing or consciousness that comes from ​within us — specifically,​ our gut.

Interestingly, a growing body of scientific research reveals how our gut affects the rest of our bodies and even our mental well-being. This interconnectedness between our mind and gut health is becoming increasingly evident. In this article, we’ll review this connection and explore ways you can support your mental health by supporting your gut health.

What is the Gut-Brain Connection? 

You may not know but your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and your brain are constantly communicating with each other. This two-way conversation happens along what is called the gut-brain axis. It plays a crucial role in regulating both digestive function and mental function. This communication occurs through several pathways including: 

• Enteric Nervous System (ENS) – two thin layers of more than 100 million nerve cells that line your GI tract, running from the esophagus to the rectum, and is often referred to as the second brain 
• Vagus Nerve – one of the 12 cranial nerves that runs down and throughout your body 
• Gut microbiome – the community of (friendly) bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut that produce or help produce chemical neurotransmitters 

Your Gut Health, Your Mental Health 

The gut-brain axis sends and receives information from your brain. The health of one can have a big impact on the health of the other. 

Stress Resilience

Recent studies shows that your gut health has a significant connection to how well you respond to and bounce back from stress. More specifically, people who are more resilient to stress have a microbiome that supports a reduction in inflammation and a strong gut barrier. This research suggests that a strong barrier enables the body to absorb nutrients better and blocks toxins that would create inflammation. If you have a weak barrier and lack the microbiome that prevents inflammation, a signal will make its way to the brain in the form of stress, priming your mind and body to be unable to let go of stress mode. 

Depression

The link between gut health and depression is becoming increasingly clear. One study discovered that people with depression and anxiety had less of a certain kind of bacteria related to the production of these short-chain fatty acids than others. Another study found gut microbiomes that lacked bacteria diversity often correlated with people living with depression.  

Mood Changes 

If you or someone you know is living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach issues, you may notice mood shifts. That’s because your gut-brain axis communicates this irritation to the central nervous system — resulting in mood changes. A high percentage of people with these stomach issues often develop depression and anxiety, too. 

Taking Care of Your Health

Now you know the impact your gut health has on your mental health. How can you use this knowledge to support your mental health?  

Gut Healthy Diet 

What you eat plays a key role in maintaining a healthy gut. Certain foods can either promote or disrupt gut health. Try incorporating more: 

• Probiotic foods and beverages like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, tempeh, kombucha, and kimchi. 
• Prebiotic foods like asparagus, apples, artichokes, bananas, oats, onion, garlic and prebiotic beverages.  
• Soluble and insoluble fiber through fruits, ​vegetables​, beans, oats, legumes, barley, whole wheat, berries, and nuts. 
• Antioxidants through ​vitamins ​C and E, beta carotene, and ​selenium-rich​ foods and drinks. 

In addition to what you add, it’s a good idea to consider what you need to take away. To reduce inflammation, consider saying no to foods with a high ​added sugar​ content, fried foods, packaged foods, and more. Studies suggest a link between eating highly processed foods and depression and anxiety. Don’t worry. There is room for most things in a healthy diet. So, you don’t have to go overboard in saying goodbye to a sweet treat or fast food forever. Let it be a ​“​nice to have sometimes​”​ rather than a ​“​have all the time.​”​   

The VEBA Resource Center offers members virtual cooking classes. You can learn how to cook deliciously and nutritiously for your gut. We also have a library ​of ​cooking videos featuring recipes you’ll love. Learn more here. 

Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly can improve the health of your gut and, therefore, mental health. Exercising increases gut mobility, improves circulation, strengthens digestive muscles, boosts your metabolism, and improves your sleep — all things good for your gut. You don’t have to run a marathon or take up extreme weightlifting. Any movement sustained for at least 30 minutes that elevates your heart rate and brings a sweat but allows you to ​breathe enough​ to talk is your goal.  

You and your doctor know your health needs best. It’s important to check with them before trying any new exercise. If you get the ok, try to exercise five days a week. But don’t let the idea of perfection get in the way of the good. Some weeks five days may be doable, and some weeks it may not. One day is better than no days. Also, you can break up the 30 minutes into two 15-minute increments or three 10-minute increments.  

Approach exercise with realistic expectations of self and consider reaching out for support. Joining a gym, hiring a trainer, or asking a friend to be an accountability buddy can be a huge help. The VEBA Resource Center has a library of on-demand videos for members that lets you exercise wherever and whenever works for you. Take a look at what we have to offer. 

Meditation

Meditation and mindfulness practices are recognized as having many health benefits. We know it intuitively from the general feeling of wellness after a few moments of mindful breathing or listening to a guided meditation. A study confirmed that deep meditation regulates your gut microbiome, therefore, supporting your mental health. You can use tools like a ​meditation​ app, go for ​a ​walk in nature, ​do ​yoga, and more. The VEBA Resource Center also offers virtual meditation classes so you can practice when and where it works for you. 

Here for Your Whole Health

We’re ​here​ to help you live your healthiest life. ​California ​​Schools ​VEBA offers resources, information, and support in a way that works for you. In-person or virtually, we’re here for your whole health.  

Discover Your Personalized Path to Wellness 

Whether you’re navigating a health challenge or striving to enhance your overall well-being, our Whole Health Coaching Program is designed to support you every step of the way. 

Partner with a dedicated Whole Health Coach to create a personalized wellness plan that addresses your physical well-being, emotional/mental health, and daily life. 

This program is ideal for you if: 

• You have a specific health goal or challenge you want to tackle. 
• You value professional guidance and support. 
• You are ready to commit to making positive changes in your life. 

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. For more details, visit calveba.org/whole-health-coaching.