Gut health and our mood

Our Gut health plays a significant role in our serotonin production, and in turn, it can influence our mood and our overall mental wellbeing.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (one of our brain chemicals) that is often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone because it plays a crucial role in regulating our mood and our emotions, especially happiness.

Serotonin plays several important roles in your body including influencing learning and memory, regulating body temperature, sleep and even hunger! Lack of serotonin is thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, mood disorders and other health conditions.

How does gut health impact serotonin production and mood?

The Gut-Brain Connection

There is a strong bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain known as the gut-brain axis.

This axis involves complex interactions between the central nervous system in the brain, the enteric nervous system in the gut, and our gut bacteria.

Serotonin Production in the Gut

While serotonin is commonly associated with the brain, around 90% of serotonin in the body is actually produced in specialised cells in the gut lining, primarily in the intestines. These cells convert tryptophan, an amino acid found in food, into serotonin, our feel-good neurotransmitter.

Gut Microbiota Influence

The composition and diversity of the gut microbiota (the community of friendly bacteria living in the gut) can impact serotonin production. Certain bacteria in the gut are involved in the breakdown of tryptophan (the protein we need to make serotonin) and can either promote or inhibit its conversion into serotonin. A healthy gut microbiome is more likely to support optimal serotonin production.

Inflammation and Gut Health

Chronic inflammation in the gut, often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or damage to the lining of the gut such as in Coeliac disease can disrupt serotonin production and signalling. This inflammation can interfere with the functioning of cells in the gut lining and reduce our serotonin levels.

Mood Regulation

Serotonin plays a vital role in mood regulation by influencing feelings of happiness, relaxation, and overall emotional wellbeing. Imbalances in serotonin levels have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The Impact of Diet:

Diet plays a crucial role in gut health and, consequently, serotonin production. A diet rich in fibre, prebiotics, and probiotics can support a healthy gut microbiome and improve serotonin synthesis. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and low in fibre may negatively affect gut health and serotonin levels.

Stress and Mood

Stress can also affect gut health and serotonin production. Chronic stress can lead to changes in gut microbiome composition and function, potentially reducing serotonin production and contributing to mood disorders.

Maintaining a healthy gut through a balanced diet, managing stress, and addressing any gastrointestinal issues can play a significant role in promoting good mental health and emotional wellbeing. However, it's important to note that serotonin is just one factor in the complex interplay of biochemical processes that influence mood, and addressing mental health concerns often requires a comprehensive approach involving various aspects of physical and psychological wellbeing.