Did you know exciting new research is showing many mood disorders like depression and anxiety are caused by or contributed to by problems in the gut? The medical research world calls this the gut-brain axis. The gut houses billions of microbial organisms. Some of the beneficial ones are responsible for helping your body produce the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
Unfortunately, many people have destroyed these beneficial bacteria through poor diet, too many antibiotics, birth control pills, steroid medication and years of antacid use. When this happens, production of these feel-good neurotransmitters is diminished and can lead to an altered state of emotional well-being.
The overlooked breakthrough for many people who struggle with mental health is to restore proper gut function and rebuild beneficial bacteria. This can be done through eliminating the most inflammatory and gut-damaging foods: sugar, flour, all grains, trans fatty acids and omega 6 seed oils. Instead, eat meat, bacon, butter, fish, wild game, raw honey, raw dairy and fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir. These foods reduce inflammation and help build up friendly gut bacteria.
Our next newsletter will go beyond diet to talk about specific testing and supplementation that can aid in the process of helping with depression and anxiety.