Recently, there have been multiple studies suggesting the trillions of microbes and bacteria living in your intestinal tract play a significant role on your mental health. Even impacting the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
The gut-brain axis refers to the communication network connecting the nervous system, brain, and gut. The process by which these gut microbiome influences mental health.
The gut-brain axis links the cognitive and emotional activity of the brain with the activity of the intestinal system, enabling talk between the two systems. Through the bidirectional communication network, the brain can influence the activities of the gut, and the activities of the gut, including the products of digestion, have an impact on all the ways the brain works.
The gut-brain axis is a channel by which the food we eat, after it is broken down by digestive enzymes and acted upon by the trillions of bacteria living in the gut, shapes our moods, our cognitive function, our reactivity to stress, our memory operations, how the brain ages, and much more. It’s also a pathway through which emotional experience can change the physiology of the body and affect how the intestinal system works, according to Psychology Today.
While research and studies are still ongoing, experts have made significant discoveries about the brain gut relationship. When the microbial profile of people with ADHD, adults and children, is compared to that of a person without ADHD, the profile is different. This imbalance can affect neurotransmitter production, overall brain function, and immune system regulation.
One such neurotransmitter is dopamine, it is influenced by gut bacteria. It is also critical for regulating attention and behavior.
Stress also plays a significant role that impacts gut health and ADHD, by altering the microbiome composition in the gut.
A few ways to help your gut health
Eat a plant rich diet can help manage your ADHD and mental health symptoms easier.
Quality sleep is associated with diverse, healthy microorganisms and bacteria in your gut. A lack of sleep can make symptoms of ADHD worse, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Exercise also has a positive influence on the composition of gut microbes
With everything going on, it is more important than ever to nurturing mental well-being.
Take the first step toward a healthier, happier life by reaching out to Mind Garden Mental Health Services today. Together, let’s nurture your mental health and cultivate a brighter future. We offer convenient telemedicine services.
Call us today at (781) 430-4309 to schedule an appointment or send us an email at [email protected]