A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person's stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product of anxiety, stress, or depression. That's because the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are intimately connected.
Preliminary evidence shows that imbalances in gut microbiota can exert a powerful influence on the brain via the gut-brain axis in ways that affect anxiety. What's more, disturbances in neurotransmitters — brain chemicals that send signals throughout the body — may play a role in psychological conditions like anxiety.
Diet. Improving your diet can help boost your gut health and may be able to help with anxiety. Researchers have found that high quality diets — including those containing more fiber, omega-3, and “good” bacteria called probiotics — may be linked to a lower risk of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms.
When you have it, you may feel: Cramping, churning, tightness, or knots in the stomach. “Butterflies” in the stomach feeling. Shivering, shaking, or twitching of muscles.
When you are anxious, some of the hormones and chemicals released by your body enter your digestive tract, where they interfere with digestion. They have a negative effect on your gut flora (microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and aid digestion) and decrease antibody production.
Taking a probiotic could reduce anxiety if it contains a specific type of bacteria. A new study published in PLoS One has found that, among the many strains of probiotics, Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus has the most evidence showing that it could significantly reduce anxiety.
A multi-strain Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium probiotic blend has been the most researched for its ability to decrease symptoms of anxiety. Studies on the effectiveness of probiotics for anxiety show a moderate reduction in symptoms of anxiety.
Techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, visualization and restful music. Research suggests that these therapies are most effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.
In fact, 90% of the body's serotonin is made right in the gut. Another kind of bacteria commonly found in the human gut, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, actually contains a neurotransmitter that can help calm anxiety.
Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter for gut and mental health. Tryptophan-containing foods like poultry, canned tuna, chocolate, dried prunes, and peanuts provide the building blocks of serotonin, but direct sources of serotonin like wild rice, spinach, potato, and bananas may also boost serotonin levels.
Anger, anxiety, sadness, elation — all of these feelings (and others) can trigger symptoms in the gut. The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. For example, the very thought of eating can release the stomach's juices before food gets there. This connection goes both ways.
Unfortunately, in someone with IBS, a vicious cycle can result where the presence of recurring digestive issues can cause panic attacks and an episode of panic can then result in the onset of more punishing physical symptoms.
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.
That's because anxiety and worry can upset the delicate balance of digestion. In some people, stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation, while in others it speeds it up, causing diarrhoea and frequent trips to the loo.
Mental health conditions linked to the gut microbiome
An imbalance of bacteria in the microbiome can have serious consequences when it comes to GI health and mental health. In fact, researchers have discovered that people with certain digestive disorders have a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days. More fundamental effects of the probiotics such as improvements to mood, weight loss or a reduction in inflammation of your gut barrier might set in after 4-8 weeks.
A blend of probiotics branded as Cerebiome by Lallemand Health Solutions may improve gut health parameters associated with anxiety, according to a study which used a dynamic in vitro microbiome model.
Species of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus (lactic acid bacteria), and Lactococcus are found in the colon where they exert a positive influence on whole body health, including anxiety and stress. This is because probiotic bacteria support the general well-being of a happy gut microbiome.