Happiness Starts HERE (WEIRD!)

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 12, 2023

We all instinctively know that our feelings can affect our gut.

After all, we experience it firsthand.

If you’ve ever been nervous about something (like a major event, meeting, or confrontation) and found you suddenly had to rush to the bathroom, then you know what I’m talking about.

There’s a direct connection between what happens “UPSTAIRS” in your brain and “DOWNSTAIRS” in your gut.

But it turns out that link goes BOTH ways.

Just like your feelings can cause butterflies in your stomach or an unexpected rush to the bathroom, the OPPOSITE is also true. Your gut health can affect your emotions.

You see, there’s a network of nerves in the gastrointestinal tract called the enteric nervous system (ENS). It’s why scientists often refer to our gut as our “second brain.”

The ENS contains over 100 million neurons and functions much like your brain. And it oversees a complex set of enzymes and hormones that help…

• break down food,
• absorb nutrients,
• and eliminate waste.

When the ENS is out of balance, it can wreak havoc on digestive processes, causing issues like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and more.

So what’s that got to do with your feelings? Turns out plenty.

Research reveals that the gut makes many of the SAME chemicals, or neurotransmitters, as the brain… including serotonin.

You’ve likely heard of serotonin before. It’s often called “the feel-good hormone” because it regulates and lifts our mood. But surprisingly, the majority (about 95%) of serotonin is produced in the digestive tract!

So, when your STOMACH is upset, it can make YOU feel upset by altering your serotonin levels.

In fact, an unhealthy gut or unbalanced microbiome can cause neurotransmitter imbalances that affect your feelings and are linked to anxiety and depression.

Now, I’m not about to suggest that the cure for depression and anxiety is ALL in your stomach. These conditions can be more complex than that.

But when you want to fix your emotions, restoring your gut health IS a great place to start!

The gut-brain connection is complex, and our understanding of it is still growing and evolving daily. But, research has already shown us that taking care of your digestive health can profoundly affect your mental health.

To keep your gut happy and healthy…

• Ensure you eat plenty of probiotic-rich foods (sauerkraut, yogurt, and other fermented foods).
• Consider taking a probiotic supplement.
• Eat a healthy diet, get good rest, and drink enough water.

Balance your gut MICROBIOME, and your MOOD may soon follow.

P.S. Don’t ignore this dinner plate link to depression (Disturbing!)

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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