The intestinal system plays a very important role in the digestive system, but you know, the intestinal system is not just the organ responsible for the digestion of food, but it is also called the “second brain” by scientists because it is inextricably linked to our brain.
There is a high-speed communication channel between the intestinal and the brain — the “intestinal-brain axis”, which not only affects our digestive function, but also profoundly regulates our emotional and mental health.
So, what’s “intestine-brain axis”? In short, it is a “high-speed communication network” linking the intestines and the brain, which interacts closely with each other through the locomotion of nerves, immune systems and chemical signals. Among them, the important neurotransmitters – 5-HT (5-HYPl) – play a key role in regulating emotions, while it is unexpected that microbial groups in the intestinal tract directly affect the generation of 5-HT – in fact, 90 per cent of our intestinal 5-HTs are synthesized by intestinal bacteria. This close connection makes it impossible to ignore the role of the intestinal system in mental health.
So what’s the relationship between intestinal microorganisms and emotions? In short, intestinal microorganisms directly affect our emotional state by regulating levels of 5-HT (5-HYPl). Unbalanced intestinal microorganisms can cause 5-HT genocrine abnormalities, causing emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that the health of intestinal microorganisms not only affects our digestive function, but also has profound effects on the emotional and cognitive function of the brain. Maintaining the balance of intestinal microorganisms is, in fact, laying a solid foundation for mental health.
Improving intestinal health through diet is a simple and effective way of regulating emotions.
Scientific research has shown that foods rich in fungi, such as yogurt and pickles, as well as foods rich in fibres, such as whole grains and vegetables, can significantly increase the number of useful strains in the intestinal tract and help maintain the balance of microorganisms. This balance is essential for emotional stability as it affects the generation of neurotransmitters.
In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, as well as oxidizing foods such as nuts and blueberries, not only protect intestinal microorganisms, but also promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters (e.g. 5-HT) and help reduce anxiety and emotional volatility.
Processed foods and sugary foods, which are healthy “enemies” of the intestinal system, can disrupt the balance of the microbial population and thus affect mental health. Reducing the intake of these foods is therefore particularly important.
By choosing a healthy diet, we not only care for the intestinal tract, but also, to some extent, improve emotions and improve overall mental health. It is a natural and reliable way of benefiting both the body and the emotions.
Intestine is our second brain, which is closely linked to emotional and mental health. By improving eating habits, we not only promote intestinal health, but also help to regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. Let’s start today, with the intestinal microbes, to add something to the intestinal and brain conversation.
Have you noticed that intestinal health affects your emotions? What kind of diet do you usually have to keep your emotions up? Welcome to sharing your experiences and ideas in the comment area.
Source:
Maggie, & Maggie. (2022, January 20). Healthy feeding.
References:
1. Hao, X., & Duan, Z. (2017). Serotonin signing system and gastrostatistices. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi, 25 (19), 1697. https://doi.org/1011569/wcjd.v25.i19.1697
2. Margolis, K. G., Crian, J. F., & Mayer, E. A. (2021). The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Modelity to Moood. Gastroenterology, 160 (5), 1486-1501. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.20200.066
3. Shen X, Sun ZH. Microbe-gut-brain Axis and neurogenicists: a review.
The intestinal strain.
