Certain foods can cause a sharp drop in mood, while others provide a boost of energy. This is not a cognitive distortion or self-conviction: it all depends on the connection between the gut and the brain, which has recently attracted more attention from doctors and scientists.
Oku.Az reports on this with reference to iz.ru.
Russian gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh claims that the mucous membrane of the stomach, small and large intestine contains special nerve cells that are responsible for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system and support the immune system by limiting the growth of pathogenic microbes: “These cells form the internal nervous system, which constantly communicates with the brain. It “communicates” to it and informs it about the composition of food. It determines whether it contains dangerous substances or harmful bacteria.
According to him, the main communication channel is the efferent nerve, which transmits signals from the intestine to the brain and vice versa. In addition to the descending nerve, neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine and gamma-amino fatty acid) produced both in the brain and in the intestine play an important role. All of these allow the body to adapt to changes in the external and internal environment, affect the physical and mental state, including mood.
Kashukh noted that dysbiosis (imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut) affects mood. In addition, some pathogenic bacteria can disrupt the production of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and dopamine, which directly affects a person’s condition.
“Beneficial bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) improve gut function and maintain a normal level of neurotransmitters. As a result, the risk of anxiety disorders and depression is reduced. The microbiota also contains short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and have a positive effect on the production of the nervous system (e.g. butyrate),” the gastroenterologist added.
The expert noted that stress has a negative effect on the state of the intestine, worsening the balance of the microbiota and digestion. To prevent this, he recommended using relaxation techniques (meditation and breathing exercises).
