"This hits me in the stomach". Even though this is just a saying and actually means the stomach, it is based on truth. The gastrointestinal tract is extremely sensitive and not only to external stimuli. Those who are mentally unwell may experience intestinal problems. But even those who have persistent intestinal problems should think about how they are actually doing psychologically. Sadness, stress, tension, dejection, these can all be more closely related to our microbiome than we think.
Find out how it is that the gut and our psyche can be connected and what can be done to make us feel good all around here.
5 Facts about how the psyche affects the microbiome and vice versa:
- The gut nervous system is in contact with the brain
- Gut influences emotions, thinking, concentration, fatigue
- Certain bacterial species upset hormonal balance in the brain
- The microbiome communicates with the brain
- Psychobiotic diet influences gut bacteria positive for the psyche.
The intestine, our second brain
The intestine, its functioning and its health are closely linked to the gut-brain axis. Therefore, the intestine is often referred to as a second brain. This is because there are over a hundred million nerve cells in the intestine, which are directly connected to the brain.
Equally important messenger substances such as serotonin and dopamine flow from the brain into the intestine and vice versa. In a sense, they exchange information between the two organs. No wonder that episodes in our lives that are not good for our psyche also show up in the gastrointestinal tract.
Mood maker intestine
The many millions of nerve cells in our intestines can therefore have a real influence on our brain and thus on our mood. Research shows that the microbiome in certain mental illnesses, such as depression, even has certain bacterial genera that were hardly found in healthy people. Also, the hormone balance can be upset, which can be another reason for a bad mood or even depression.
So, if you feel permanently tired, depressed or sad, you could also look for and find the cause in your intestines. However, it is important to consult a doctor.
Citation
- Metzler (17.05.22): Darmbakterien: Wie sie unser Gehirn und unsere Stimmung beeinflussen. In: Braineffect. (Zuletzt abgerufen am 27.07.22). https://www.brain-effect.com/magazin/darm-gehirn.
- Korsten (26.02.20): Depressionen: Wie der Darm die Psyche beeinflusst. In: Bauchgefühl. (Zuletzt abgerufen am 27.07.22). https://www.digestio.de/de/magen-und-darm/mikrobiom/darm-depression-psychische-krankheiten.
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