The importance of gut health extends far beyond physical well-being, playing a crucial role in mental health as well. The trillions of bacteria residing in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiota, are essential for mood regulation and overall happiness. Astonishingly, about 90% of serotonin, a hormone closely linked to happiness, is produced in the gut. This connection highlights why a well-nourished gut leads to a happier mind.
The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street
The relationship between gut health and mental health is mediated by the gut-brain axis, a complex communication network linking the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Often called the “second brain,” the gut communicates with the brain through the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.
This interaction influences the production of critical neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. For instance, serotonin regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, while dopamine, about half of which is produced in the gut, is associated with pleasure and reward.
Certified nutritionist Cynthia Jetan from LAC Malaysia explained:
The gut uses the same biochemicals and nerve network as the brain to help us digest and alert the brain when something is wrong.
The Balance Of Gut Microbes
Maintaining a balanced gut microbiota is vital for mental well-being. An imbalance in gut bacteria can disrupt neurotransmitter production, potentially leading to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
This imbalance can result from poor diet, chronic stress, and other lifestyle factors. Cynthia emphasizes that a healthy gut produces sufficient serotonin and dopamine which leads to a happy mind, while an imbalanced gut leads to inflammation and disrupted gut-brain communication. She further explained:
When we feel anxious, scared, excited or nervous, we feel it first in our gut. Hence the saying, I have a gut feeling. The gut-brain axis works both ways. When we are stressed and anxious, the brain sends signals to the gut. We then experience digestive stress such as stomach upset, nausea, and constipation. And when we experience digestive distress, our gut sends signals to the brain. This will then affect our mood where we feel anxious and depressed.
Cynthia Jetan, Certified Nutritionist from LAC Malaysia
Pick The Best Probiotic Supplements
Before starting probiotic supplements, consulting with a doctor is essential to determine the most beneficial strains for your needs.
LAC offers a diverse range of probiotics containing multiple strains, ranging from 6 to 14 strains, with CFUs up to 100 billion. This provides individuals with options tailored to their specific health needs. Additionally, LAC Probiotics are fridge-free and offer guaranteed potency until their expiration date, ensuring shelf stability and delivering effective probiotics.
Option like LAC Probiotic Complex 25 Billion CFUs offers 25 billion CFUs of active probiotic per serving, including six strains that are well known to be effective in maintaining good gut and immune health. It is also enhanced with fermented yeast and olive fruit essence, as well as indigestible maltodextrin that acts as a prebiotic to flourish the good bacteria in your gut lining.
A stick with food daily will aid with less occurrence of indigestion discomforts, replenish good bacteria, promote better nutrient absorption, and strengthen your immunity as well to prevent you from falling sick with common infections.
By prioritizing your gut health through a balanced diet, mindful eating, stress management, and appropriate supplements, you can enhance your mental wellness. Remember, a happy gut leads to a happier mind. Invest in your gut health today for a brighter tomorrow. A Healthy Gut, A Happy Mind!
