What the gut?

Your gut feeling is smarter than you think

If you know anything about me by now you may know that I love to discuss bowel habits, it used to be a conversational piece around my family dining table on a Sunday. Love it or hate it it’s important to know about your gut. On my journey to become a qualified Health Psychologist, I love to investigate ways that can improve the mental well-being of others. It turns out your gut has more to do with your mood than you think.

The gut microbiome is the diverse community of microorganisms within your digestive tract, primarily in your intestines. There are trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes all playing a role in your overall health. These microbes constantly interact and influence each other, forming an ecosystem that adapts and evolves in response to your diet, lifestyle, environment, and even your emotions. The gut microbiome impacts the following:

• Digestion

• Immunity

• Mental Health

• Metabolism

While the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and metabolism my focus as a psychologist lies in its impact on mental health. Emerging research reveals a powerful connection between the gut and the brain, suggesting that our gut microbes can influence our mood, emotions and even our vulnerability to mental health conditions. 

The gut and the brain are in constant communication - it’s like they have their own little chat going on all the time. This connection known as the gut-brain axis, involves signals travelling along nerves, hormones, and even your immune system. And here’s the mind-blowing part; your gut isn’t just about digestion, it’s actually a major player in producing those feel-good chemicals!

We’re talking about neurotransmitters like serotonin (the happiness hormones) - a whopping 90% of your body’s supply is made in your gut! Then there’s dopamine, the motivation and reward chemical, with about half of it coming from your gut too. And let’s not forget GABA, which helps you chill out and feel relaxed. Your gut even has a say in stress hormones like cortisol. It’s basically a mood-influencing powerhouse!

We've all experienced those "gut feelings" – that sense that something is right or wrong, even when we can't explain it logically. Or those "butterflies in your stomach" when we're nervous or excited. These powerful sensations aren't just coincidences; they highlight the incredible connection between our gut and our intuition. Our gut, with its vast network of neurons, can process information on a subconscious level, giving us insights that our conscious mind might miss. So next time you're faced with a tough decision, don't be afraid to "trust your gut" - it might just lead you in the right direction.

It turns out, people struggling with mood disorders like depression and anxiety often have different gut microbiomes compared to those who are mentally healthy. This has led scientists to wonder: could certain gut bacteria actually influence our mood by affecting those all-important brain chemicals?

This exciting research has sparked a whole new wave of exploration into how we can improve mental health by focusing on the gut. We're talking about things like probiotics (good bacteria), prebiotics (food for those good bacteria), and even (brace yourself!) faecal transplants. While it's still early days, some studies have already shown that probiotics can help reduce anxiety and depression.

Nurturing your gut microbiome with a healthy diet, lifestyle choices and appropriate supplements when necessary can promote a thriving internal ecosystem leading to improved health and overall well-being.

Looking after my bowel health

My diet is...well, let's just say it has room for improvement. When I cook at home, portion control goes out the window. And when I'm working offshore, it's all about quick bursts of energy from sugary snacks. I don't even drink enough water because bathroom breaks aren't practical. Meal timings are all over the place: early breakfasts, snacking throughout the day, another meal before sports, and then a late-night "snack" that's basically a second dinner of crisps and junk food. I often mistake thirst for hunger, too.

This unhealthy cycle has been going on for years, and I tend to go through phases. Sometimes I manage to kickstart healthier habits, but then life gets busy and I fall back into convenience mode. I'm just too busy and, honestly, a bit too picky to make drastic changes.

Full disclosure: I'm not affiliated with Biomel or Zoe in any way - no sponsorships, no payments, no TikTok shop to plug. But I've been giving Biomel shots a try for the past 3 weeks, and I'm pleasantly surprised! I'm usually not a fan of shakes, powders, and the like, but Biomel's chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavours are actually pretty tasty.

My stomach is super sensitive; any change can throw it off balance. I once tried a Huel shake for three days (alongside my usual meals), and by day three, my stomach was staging a full-on revolt. Nausea, excessive salivation... I was this close to a mortifying incident at work. So, yeah, I'm cautious, but Biomel has been gentle so far.

For those wondering, Biomel is a ready-to-drink probiotic shot, basically a convenient way to boost your gut health. And since I know someone's going to ask: what's the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic? Probiotics are like the good guys - live microorganisms (mainly bacteria and yeast) that bring benefits when you consume them. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are like their food supply – types of fibre we can't digest, but the good bacteria in our gut love to munch on.

Full disclosure: I'm not affiliated with Biomel or Zoe in any way - no sponsorships, no payments, no TikTok shop to plug. But I've been giving Biomel shots a try for the past 3 weeks, and I'm pleasantly surprised! I'm usually not a fan of shakes, powders, and the like, but Biomel's chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavours are actually pretty tasty.

My stomach is super sensitive; any change can throw it off balance. I once tried a Huel shake for three days (alongside my usual meals), and by day three, my stomach was staging a full-on revolt. Nausea, excessive salivation... I was this close to a mortifying incident at work. So, yeah, I'm cautious, but Biomel has been gentle so far.

For those wondering, Biomel is a ready-to-drink probiotic shot, basically a convenient way to boost your gut health. And since I know someone's going to ask: what's the difference between a probiotic and a prebiotic? Probiotics are like the good guys - live microorganisms (mainly bacteria and yeast) that bring benefits when you consume them. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are like their food supply – types of fibre we can't digest, but the good bacteria in our gut love to munch on.

It took a little while to kick in, but after about two weeks of a daily shot, I started noticing a difference. I'm not as bloated anymore, and my digestion is way better (happy to share the details in person, if you're curious!). I'm still working like crazy, so the energy boost hasn't been too noticeable, but I'm sure it's there somewhere.

Since Biomel seemed to be working, I decided to take my gut health journey up a notch with Zoe Daily 30+. It's a whole food supplement packed with all sorts of good stuff – nuts, seeds, whole grains, the works. I'm only three days in, but the supposed benefits sound amazing: even better digestion, more energy, fewer cravings, and even improved mood and sleep. Fingers crossed!

So, there you have it – a glimpse into my ongoing quest for a happier gut and a happier mind. It's a journey filled with ups and downs (and maybe a few too many crisps along the way), but I'm committed to making positive changes, one Biomel shot and Zoe scoop at a time. Remember, your gut isn't just about digestion; it's a powerful ally in your overall health and happiness. By taking care of your gut, you're not just nourishing your body, you're nurturing your mind too. And that's something worth investing in!