Russians pointed out an unobvious relationship between gastrointestinal health and mood

It is generally accepted in society that the health of the stomach and intestines affects only digestion. However, modern scientific research is increasingly pointing to something else: the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is directly related to a person's emotional state. Gastroenterologist Alexandra Metelina told Izvestia about this on August 6.

"If you often experience anxiety, irritability, or apathy, it's probably not just stress, but also intestinal issues," she said.

According to the doctor, scientists call the intestine the second brain. There are more than 100 million nerve cells in the walls of the digestive tract — this is the enteric nervous system. It is autonomous, regulates digestion, but also interacts with the brain through the so–called "gut-brain" axis.

"Along this axis, signals go in both directions: the brain affects the motility and sensitivity of the intestines, and the intestines affect mood, anxiety level, and sleep quality. And here the intestinal microbiota plays an important role — the collection of bacteria inhabiting our digestive tract," explained Metelina.

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Research shows that an imbalance of the microbiota (dysbiosis) can exacerbate the symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, and even impair cognitive function. This is due to the fact that some neurotransmitters (for example, serotonin) are produced not only in the brain, but also in the intestines. According to various estimates, up to 90% of serotonin, a hormone that affects mood, is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract.

The microflora is also involved in the regulation of inflammation, which can affect the state of the nervous system. The increased level of systemic inflammation is now considered as one of the possible mechanisms of depression development.⠀

The microbiota is negatively affected by irregular diets and excess sugar, monotony in the diet (the poorer the food, the poorer the flora), excessive hygiene (for example, the constant use of antiseptics), uncontrolled use of antibiotics, chronic stress, lack of sleep.

"In order to maintain a variety of microflora, doctors recommend eating at least 50 different foods per week, especially those of plant origin. It is important that the food is not only varied, but also beautiful — this also affects appetite, pleasure and digestion. Eat the rainbow: the more colors on the plate, the wider the range of nutrients and the happier the microbes," the expert advised.

Nutritionist and nutritionist Roman Pristansky spoke on July 31 about the rules that will help you lose weight. He advised four hours before bedtime to eliminate carbohydrates and give preference to protein foods.

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