Feeling cr*p? Your psychobiome is here to help
Wanted: researchers to study human stool samples. Must have a weak sense of smell and a strong stomach. Must be able to handle the million poo jokes coming their way.
Thankfully for health and science, there are people who willingly answer the ads to study the microbiome through the most effective means - our stools.
And what scientists are now discovering is blowing their minds in the psychological world. It’s still early days but there are promising signs that microbe-based treatments, or “psychobiotics,” can be produced to help treat many psychological diseases and disorders.
It’s long been acknowledged that the gut and brain are inextricably linked. Even so far as the gut being labeled the ‘second brain’. It is the seat for many emotions and reactions we have.
Researchers have found connections between gut and brain disorders. For example, many people with irritable bowel syndrome are also depressed, people on the autism spectrum tend to have digestive problems, and people suffering with Parkinson’s are likely to have constipation. Also noticed is an increase in depression in people taking antibiotics.
Interestingly and a possible further proof point, researchers have noticed an increase in depression in people taking antibiotics however not in people taking antiviral or anti-fungal medications that leave gut bacteria unharmed.
On another angle, gut bacteria can make and use nutrients and other molecules in ways the human body can’t. This should lead to hopefully a new well of mental wellness therapies.
So what is the "psychobiome?" Broadly speaking it is the gut bacteria that can alter and affect the way that you think, feel and act. You can read more about it here.
Clear your gut, clear your mind
All this further highlights the need to keep your gut ‘clean and toned’ so the microbiome can do its business and your digestive system can get on with efficiently dispersing nutrients and hydration to your organs.
We carry up to 3 kilos of undiscarded waste in our digestive system. It not only weighs on our scales, it can weigh on our minds as well depending upon the type of bacteria setting up house in your gut.
If uncleared the waste inhibits nutrient and hydration absorption. In turn, this could lead to lower feelings and lethargy. However, if you keep the microbiome balanced with good bacteria, it helps with absorption and good nutrients will find their way through and into your body. And, just as importantly, the not-so-good nutrients and bacteria will be evacuated the natural way.
Inflammation is at it again!
Look at many (if not most) maladies affecting us and there will most probably be some sort of inflammation at cause. Reducing the causes and existing inflammation in our body and especially in our digestive system will go a long way to treating illnesses.
More and more, researchers see inflammation as a determining factor in disorders like depression and autism. Gut bacteria play a huge role in proper immune system development and maintenance. Studies are finding that having the ‘wrong mix’ of microbes can halt that process and promote inflammation.
When it comes to gut health, we’re constantly amazed and excited by the opportunities for humanity in this field. It seems every day there’s more research and investment in gut microbes and gut efficiency. We’d much rather new therapies for our emotional world to come from within us, rather than from a synthetic chemical.
The Gut and Stress
We’re all aware that stress isn’t good for us, but did you know that stress levels wreak havoc on our gut? When we think of stress, we think of pressure at work, not having enough time to do all the things we need to get done in a day and having too many commitments with family, friends or work to juggle. But did you know that too much exercise, not getting enough sleep and not feeling moments of joy and pleasure in our daily life can also cause stress that affects our gut?
The first step is to be mindful of how big of a role stress is playing in our lives and start noticing when it affects us and what triggers it. The next step is to look at ways of minimising the stress in your life. If you’re always stressed about being late to work, perhaps you could start getting ready a little earlier or prepare what you need the night before. It seems obvious, but these simple steps can make a very big impact in reducing our stress levels and therefore, our overall health.
Your gut is your first entry point for pathogens and bacteria, and the good flora that resides in your gut helps to reduce harmful substances from entering, and being absorbed through the gut lining, it also regulates and stabilises your digestion and trains your immune system to communicate with your brain. If you're looking for that extra little boost, get your hands on our Love Your Gut Powder.
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