Better Mental Health with the Belly-Brain Bond
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 2, 2024
Feeling down in the dumps lately?
Well, guess what? It might not be all in your head—it could be in your gut!
That’s right… It turns out “having a gut feeling” might be far more than just a figure of speech.
According to new research, it’s time to pay more attention to what’s going on in our digestive system because it could affect our mental health more than we ever realized.
And that’s ESPECIALLY true in our golden years.
In fact, researchers even pinpointed a specific bacterial strain that’s linked to a rosier outlook.
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry confirms what many of us have long suspected: there’s a direct link between gut and brain health.
And this relationship can affect everything from cognitive function to depression risk.
The researchers discovered that the composition of the gut microbiome—the trillions of tiny organisms that call your digestive system home—can have a significant impact on your mood, memory, and overall mental well-being.
They also found that folks with more of the specific bacterial strain Bifidobacterium were measurably less depressed.
So, better gut health means better brain health. And that means it’s time to focus on balancing your microbiome with simple diet and lifestyle changes.
- Eat your veggies: Load up on fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to feed the good bacteria in your gut. These little guys thrive on fiber, so give them plenty to munch on!
- Fermented foods are your friends: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are packed with probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut in tip-top shape. Adding more of these tangy treats to your diet can help boost your microbiome and keep your gut happy.
- Cut back on the junk: Processed foods, sugar, and artificial sweeteners can wreak havoc on your gut health. These foods feed the harmful bacteria in your gut, throwing off the delicate balance of your microbiome. Instead, give them the boot and opt for whole, unprocessed foods.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can mess with your gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and other digestive issues. Find ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Your gut (and your mind) will thank you!
- Get moving: Exercise isn’t just good for your waistline. It’s great for your gut health, too! Regular physical activity can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost the diversity of your gut bacteria. So, lace up those sneakers and get moving!
And, of course, you can supplement with Bifidobacterium and other healthy probiotics.
By taking care of your microbiome, you’re improving your digestion and giving your brain a boost. The link between gut health and mental health is undeniable, and we must take action.
P.S. The tiny, tart secret to a HEALTHIER gut!
Source:
Kolobaric A et al., Gut microbiome predicts cognitive function and depressive symptoms in late life. Mol Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02551-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38664490.
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.
View More Free Articles
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...