February 10, 2017

Leaky Gut & Depression

It may seem odd to consider that our gut health has a huge impact on our entire body. Our gut health can affect us in both positive and negative ways. Not only is the body affected but conditions such as leaky gut syndrome can actually cause or worsen various mental and emotional health aspects as well. Many studies show the connection of the gut-brain axis. Healthy gut function has been linked to normal central nervous system (CNS) function. Hormones, immunological factors, and neurotransmitters released from the gut send signals to your brain which has an affect on mental health.

Stress comes in many shapes/sizes and it can be triggered by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut. Too many bacteria in the gut causes a release of abnormal levels of trace amines and toxins into the bloodstream. The brain is then tricked into thinking it is tired, anxious, stressed, and/or depressed. If a person has gastrointestinal (GI) issues or digestive health issues and is also dealing with depression or anxiety there may be the possibility that the microflora in the gut are experiencing an imbalanced There is also the possibility that the patient could be dealing with a leaky gut there isn’t any knowing unless some tests are conducted and the results are in. Let’s take a look at some leaky gut symptoms.

Leaky Gut Symptoms

Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic Constipation
Nutritional Deficiencies
Brain Fog
Memory Loss
Poor Immune System
Depression
Anxiety
Gas
Bloating
Headaches
ADHD & ADD
Autoimmune Diseases
Fatigue

One of the difficulties with diagnosing leaky gut syndrome is that the symptoms match many other illnesses and conditions. It takes time and sometimes the use of various forms of testing before it can be revealed. SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut are two issues that often accompany one another. SIBO can be the cause of leaky gut but the thing about this is that when it comes to either of those digestive health issues they are more like signs of other health issues. Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and IBS are all possible underlying conditions that could cause leaky gut.

If you’ve been dealing with any of the above symptoms (especially if they’re recurring) and you’re dealing with depression as well then talk to your doctor or practitioner to set up testing. An untreated leaky gut can lead to some seriously severe health issues. The longer it takes to get the proper natural leaky gut treatment the more progressive and aggressive the issue becomes. When in doubt, get it checked out!