Do you feel like you are doomed to suffer while you take care of everyone else?

Gut bacteria and Depression have been linked and they are under your control.

We all have ups and downs in life, but Major Depressive Disorder is different, it hangs out and makes you feel that there is no point in any of what we call life.

Treatment has been spotty at best until now, medication works for one person but not for another.

WHY?

Because we eat crap and that kills the good gut bacteria that keep our brains healthy.

This shocking link between gut bacteria and depression seems to be real. What if it is the missing link as to why one person gets better while others don’t?

It turns out that the microorganisms living inside of us all play a major role in how we feel psychologically and physically!

Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating relationship between the gut microbiome and depression – because understanding it could be key to improving all of your mental health issues without the need for more medication experimentation.

So why should we care about this discovery?

We all should care because this discovery is so simple and it makes sense.

Every one of us can make a few changes right now and see if it helps without having to add another medication or continue to suffer needlessly for years while more studies are done.

You can also read about ways you can help yourself to feel better in this article I wrote.

It is so simple that you can take control of your body and mind starting today even if you have no energy or desire.

A 2019 study also suggests a common lack of these species of gut bacteria in depressed people: Dialister and Coprococcus. This finding is huge!

This knowledge has huge implications for all of us – by better understanding the connection between microbiota and depression, we can have more effective treatments for those struggling with their mental health.

The human body is an amazing thing; it’s filled with trillions of tiny organisms known as ‘gut bacteria’ or ‘microbiota’.

These little critters live in our intestines where they help with digestion, absorption of nutrients, development of immunity, metabolism…and now some experts believe they might also influence our moods!

That’s right – according to recent studies, certain types of microbiota can actually alter brain chemistry, leading to symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Connection Between Your Gut Microbiome And Mental Health

It’s no longer a secret that your gut microbiome and mental health are closely connected.

Our gut microbiota, or its composition of organisms, can play an important role in our psychological well-being – No one knew this was even a possibility.

Did you know that the bacteria living in your gut can seriously affect your mood and mental health? They can either help ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress or can make them worse.

The gut microbiome is made up of billions of bacteria that hang out in our colon and help us absorb nutrients and fight off bad germs. It’s pretty wild how these tiny critters have such a big impact on our well-being!

But how exactly does this strange relationship work? How do diet and genetics affect the microbiome, which then has an impact on depressive symptoms? We’ll explore these questions next to shed some light on the subject.

How Diet And Genetics Affect Your Microbiome

Diet and genetics both play a role in forming your microbiome—a collection of microbes that live inside us and on our skin.

And research has shown that certain types of bacteria produce increased levels of serotonin, which is thought to help regulate our moods.

For example, one study found that people with higher amounts of Firmicutes bacteria were more likely to experience depression than those with lower amounts.

Similarly, another investigation revealed that people with low levels of Bifidobacteria had significantly reduced levels of serotonin compared to those who had normal levels.

This suggests that bacterial balance may be an important factor in maintaining healthy mental states. So if you’re looking for ways to support your microbiome, consider making small changes in your diet or lifestyle habits that could influence the composition of your microbiome!

Is There A Link Between Gut Bacteria And Depression?

It’s no secret that there is an inseparable link between gut microbes and our moods. It has been discovered in recent years that the gut microbiome can play a role in how we feel, and more importantly, how our brain functions.

Studies have shown that when certain bacteria are present in the gut of those with depression, their serotonin levels are significantly lower than those without it.

This means that some types of bacterium could be playing a large part in producing serotonin – which is vital for the proper functioning of the brain.

In addition, other studies have suggested that imbalances or disruptions within the gut microbiome may also contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

This evidence suggests that looking after your microbiota by maintaining healthy eating habits and taking probiotics might help improve your gut-brain axis.

To further explore this fascinating connection between our guts and brains, research into how different strains of bacteria affect mood disorders needs to continue.

For example, it has been found that individuals with major depression often have lower levels of short-chain fatty acids which are produced by intestinal bacteria. Short-chain fatty acids have also been associated with the leaky gut disorder which increases inflammation.

Additionally, studies show how specific types of microbiota in the gut can influence the function of the vagus nerve – a key component of the central nervous system responsible for emotional regulation.

Fecal samples in several studies from depressed people also revealed different ratios of certain bacterial populations compared to non-depressed individuals, indicating microbial imbalances may be a factor in mental health issues like depression.

With this understanding firmly established, scientists have looked at how manipulating or supplementing these microbes could potentially improve symptoms associated with clinical depression.

If you want to enhance your mental well-being by improving your gut microbiome, stay tuned for more information on what steps you can take!

Is There A Link Between Depression And Inflammation Found Depressed People

It’s no secret that gut bacteria play an important role in physical health, but we now know it also has a link to mental health.

The Gut-Brain axis is the concept of how our gut and brain communicate with each other, sending signals back and forth via hormones, neurotransmitters, molecules, and more.

This communication between your gut microbiome composition and your brain can influence feelings of depression.

Depressed patients often show signs of inflammation which suggests that something outside of the brain may be causing their symptoms.

Researchers believe this inflammation likely starts from within – specifically from all those microbes living in our guts!

Some research has shown that by altering these microbial communities through diet or probiotics supplements we can reduce inflammation levels and potentially help relieve some depressive symptoms as well.

That said, more research needs to be done before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between depression and gut bacteria composition.

Viome Links Gut Microbes To Depression In Large Health Study

It’s amazing how physical and psychological health is truly intertwined.

Viome has found a strong connection between gut microbes and major depressive disorder.

Viome is a company that figured this out a few years ago and started testing an individual’s gut bacteria and then making a probiotic supplement tailored to your specific needs.

I highly recommend checking them out. I use their service and I feel it makes a huge difference rather than just firing supplements blindly into my system not knowing whether I am deficient or in surplus.

This is because having certain bacteria in your gut that produce brain chemicals like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) impacts mood levels.

It also appears that our enteric nervous system, located in our intestinal tract, plays an important role in sending signals directly to the brain about what’s happening inside of us.

Viome is the probiotic that I take every month. They do individualized testing on your health and then make a supplement based on what is going on with you. I can not stress how important this is to me.

The video above talks about the science behind Viome. If you want to get started then you can click the link below to go to their website. You can get 15% off by clicking this link and using the promo code DEWANA15

Get Prebiotics and Probiotics for Free

Keep in mind you can also get natural probiotics for free to keep your gut healthy the way our great-great-grandparents did.

Focus on eating foods rich in both prebiotics and probiotics like fermented foods made from the Brassica family.

Fermented sauerkraut and kimchi that have Cabbage or bokchoy are commonly found or can be made by you at home.

In fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, you will find both the beneficial gut bacteria and the food they eat all in one dish.

This new study is all about how refined sugar starves beneficial bacteria. And get this – there was even an article published in a scientific journal way back in 2017 that linked sugar intake to depression in patients but it was not talked about much outside of academia.

What Does This Mean For You?

This is why it is so important for people to read these studies so we can understand what is happening to help ourselves not needlessly suffer.

I hope you are taking this to heart and planning the changes you will make to your diet going forward. Your number one responsibility is to control your health. Doctors are in control of your sickness once you have failed your number one responsibility.

It’s pretty wild to think about, but did you know that there are 100 trillion cells with 3 million different genes living inside our bodies?

And these little guys aren’t just hanging out – they have a big impact on how our bodies not only function but also on processing vitamins and nutrients from our food.

It’s amazing to see how much researchers are learning right now about the microbiome and the ways it can promote both health and disease. So, if you’re looking to stay healthy and feel your best, taking care of your gut and eating the right foods is key.

Given this information, it stands to reason that if we want to improve levels of depression, boosting gut health could be key.

After all, when our vagus nerve is functioning properly, it sends positive signals to the brain allowing for better regulation of emotions and thought processes.

So keep reading as we explore ways to boost gut health (and mood too!).

3 Ways To Boost Gut Health (And Mood, Too)

If you’re looking to find ways to boost both your gut health and mood, here’s what you need to know.

It all starts with keeping a diverse microbiome in your gut. Eating produce that’s high in probiotics or fermented foods is key – they help keep the beneficial bacteria levels high.

Additionally, research has shown that those who have higher amounts of certain species of bacteria can produce serotonin more efficiently, which helps regulate emotions and improve mental well-being.

But it doesn’t stop there: studies also suggest that having an abundance of healthy bacteria may aid in preventing anxiety disorders and depressive disorders, including major depression.

To get on track for better mental and physical health, make sure to include prebiotic-rich vegetables in your diet such as garlic, onions, leeks, artichokes, bananas, and oats among others; aim for at least 5 servings per day.

Also, be sure to limit processed sugar consumption as much as possible since this type of food can cause an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria populations inside your body. T

he bad bacteria eat sugar and highly processed foods and then they release byproducts that inflame your immune system so it attacks.

Be sure and check out the PDF I created that breaks down exactly which foods are anti-inflammatory and which you should avoid at all costs.

You can get a copy here for free. Inflammatory diseases are usually caused by food, bacteria, viruses, or toxins we are exposed to our immune system then overreacts to by sending out warriors to fight off the invaders.

You shouldn’t wait to start improving the quality of your mood. By considering these simple steps when changing up one’s lifestyle choices — healthier meals or exercising regularly — we can actively take part in improving our overall well-being by promoting a balanced microbiota environment within our bodies!

Eat Less Refined Sugar And More Plant Foods

Healthy eating is key and making sure that the foods you’re consuming are high-quality, nutrient-dense plant-based foods.

Now let’s talk about how you can use lifestyle factors to improve your gut-brain axis. This will help nourish and balance the microbiome which produces neurotransmitters like serotonin that play an important role in regulating moods.

If you want to reduce symptoms of depression try reducing refined sugar intake and processed food.

Adding more legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds is a good direction to go.

It’s also important to note that recent research has linked specific types of bacteria found in our guts with major depressive disorder.

A large health study showed evidence that gut microbes could influence behavior linked to depression by affecting levels of hormones such as cortisol – the body’s stress hormone.

It also suggested that certain probiotics may be able to reduce symptoms associated with depression.

So while it appears that diet plays a part in regulating mental health through gut microbial activity, further research is needed to fully understand the connection between your gut and depression.

But one thing is for sure: looking after your physical well-being is essential for managing your mental well-being too!

Can I Improve My Gut Bacteria For Mental Health?

We now know that our digestive system is a major factor in maintaining good health, but what does it have to do with mental health?

There’s an increasing amount of evidence from both human and animal studies linking the gut microbiome – or the bacterial population within our intestines – to depression.

The research suggests that changes in our digestive system can cause significant shifts in mood, leading to symptoms of depression.

Some researchers are using specific markers found in stool samples as part of their assessment for major depression. So improving your gut bacteria could be key when it comes to managing your mental well-being.

There are several ways you can improve your gut bacteria – probiotics, prebiotic fibers, fermented foods such as yogurt or kimchi, and herbs like oregano oil or ginger.

Eating plenty of plants also helps maintain microbial diversity by providing beneficial compounds which help feed the microbes living inside us.

Ultimately, taking steps towards better nutrition and digestion is an important part of promoting overall physical and mental wellness.

I do a deep dive into Anti-Inflammatory Do’s and Don’ts here.

Gut Microbiota And SSRIs In Major Depression

Studies have shown that SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are often used to treat Major Depressive Disorder but we don’t understand why they work sometimes and not others.

We think these drugs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which regulates mood and behavior.

However, scientists now believe that these medications may also be affecting the gut microbiome in some way.

This suggests that there could be a direct link between gut bacteria and depression symptoms.

What we do know is that stress-induced inflammation in the body affects both mental health as well as physical well-being.

Recent research has indicated that immune system cells in the gut could play an important role in this process – and this could provide us with clues to how our internal microbial environment might be contributing to our emotional state.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for understanding and treating depression.

Immune System Cells In The Gut Linked To Stress-Induced Depression

It’s pretty crazy when you think about it, but the gut is connected to our mental health in a big way.

Recent studies have found that immune system cells located in the gut may be linked to depression caused by stress.

It’s thought that these immune system cells are responsible for triggering an inflammatory response when we experience physical or emotional distress.

This inflammation then leads to changes in brain chemistry which can eventually result in symptoms of depression.

These findings suggest that if we’re able to reduce inflammation levels within the gut, we might be able to prevent some cases of stress-induced depression.

And this isn’t just speculation – there are already several clinical trials underway looking at how diet and probiotics could help protect against depression caused by chronic stress.

So while more research needs to do, it seems like there is real potential here for us to improve our mental health through better management of our gut bacteria.

With that being said, let’s take a look at how all this relates to the ‘brain-gut connection’.

The Gut-Brain Axis Connection

Let’s talk about the Gut-Brain Axis connection.

It turns out that our gut health is directly connected to how we feel emotionally and mentally.

Our gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin as byproducts, which helps regulate mood.

So when our gut isn’t healthy, it could be negatively affecting our mental state. This has been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, and even autism spectrum disorder!

It’s important to understand that this connection goes both ways – what we eat affects our gut microbes, but also our emotions affect our microbiome too! Studies have shown that stress can alter the composition of microbial populations within the gut, leading to an unhealthy balance.

And if left unchecked, this imbalance can cause physical and psychological issues down the road.

The takeaway here is: take good care of your gut health by eating a balanced diet with lots of fiber-rich foods and probiotics – you never know how much impact it may have on your emotional well-being!

Can Probiotics Improve Your Mood Without Medication

Researchers have made a strong case that poor gut health and depression are connected.

Probiotics, like the ones I recommend from Viome, include beneficial bacteria specifically chosen to balance out your specific digestive systems and restore healthy bacterial flora in your gut.

When ingested regularly, Probiotics can reduce inflammation and even lift feelings of anxiety or sadness.

Aside from taking a probiotic supplement, you can also get them naturally through fermented foods like kimchi, Kombucha, sauerkraut, miso soup, kefir, tempeh, and yogurt. Adding these to your diet regularly can be an easy way to boost your mental well-being without relying on medications with potentially harmful side effects.

Changing Your Diet Could Fix Your Gut Issues And Cure Your Depression

So, now that we know probiotics can help with mood without medication, what about changing your diet to fix gut issues and cure depression? I’m here to tell ya – it’s a thing.

It all starts with having the right kinds of bacteria in our gut and then feeding them the right foods so they will produce the best postbiotics to help us become the healthiest version of ourselves possible.

Bacteria play a major role in regulating our emotional health and how we feel daily. When they’re out of whack due to an unhealthy diet or too much stress, they throw off our entire system and cause us to struggle emotionally.

Thankfully, you can take matters into your own hands by altering your dietary habits and restoring balance to this delicate ecosystem within yourself.

Eating more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut while reducing inflammation caused by processed foods, sugar, chemicals, and other toxins.

This also means fewer unwanted symptoms like bloating and constipation which are often associated with depression.

Additionally, adding fermented food sources such as sauerkraut or kimchi provides beneficial bacteria for your digestive system making it easier for them to absorb key nutrients from the food you eat.

Supplementing with omega 3 and omega 7 fatty acids also helps reduce inflammation throughout the body—further aiding in better digestion and improved mental well-being.

By taking steps such as these consciously designed towards improving your physical health through diet changes you could very well be unlocking solutions to stabilizing your mental state as well!

But don’t just take my word for it: try it out yourself – start small if need be but get creative when experimenting with different types of ingredients so that you enjoy what you’re eating while looking after both your gut microbiome and overall emotional well-being at the same time!

Depression and gut bacteria: Here are a few links to study.

Conclusion

We are learning every day more and more about how much the profound effect our gut bacteria have on our mental health. We now know there is a link between bacterium and depression, as well as inflammation found in depressed people.

We need to take responsibility for our health, especially when it comes to our gut microbiome. I highly recommend changing up your diet if you’re experiencing any sort of negative emotion or symptom associated with depression.

Eating nutritious whole foods will not only nourish your body but may also lift some of those depressive feelings away due to their impact on the brain.

Our physical and mental well-being rely heavily on each other – so don’t forget about your gut! Taking control of what goes into your digestive system has been proven time and time again to make huge positive changes in how we feel emotionally day-to-day.

Don’t let yourself suffer any more: make sure you’re taking care of both your brain and gut! Go to Viome and look at their testing and then take their probiotic supplements or eat healthy fermented foods and plenty of prebiotic fiber every day.