Achieving optimal well-being is more than prioritizing physical health. Find out more.
June is Men’s Health Month, which is all about encouraging the men in your life (including you, men!) to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising and taking steps to prevent disease. While physical well-being is vital, so is mental, which is the focus of this blog.
Men are less likely to seek help for mental struggles, making it vital to address factors that may adversely affect their mood, such as digestive wellness.
The Connection Between Digestive Wellness & Mood
Maintaining a healthy gut contributes to various benefits, from weight management to immune function, skin condition, and brain function. Recent findings reveal links between depression, anxiety, and digestive well-being, even in individuals without noticeable gut-related issues.
A case study involves a patient on multiple medications for mental health issues but without any apparent gut problems. A gut microbiome stool test uncovered bacterial imbalances, inflammation, leaky gut, and food sensitivities, mainly to gluten.
Sensitivities to gluten and dairy can negatively impact mood. Eliminating these foods from one’s diet can cause withdrawal symptoms but ultimately lead to better mental well-being. By addressing gut wellness, this patient was able to eliminate multiple medications and experience significant improvements in his mental health.
The Gut-Brain Relationship
Our gut and brain are connected and influence neurotransmitters like serotonin. These neurotransmitters, typically associated with the brain, travel along nerves in the digestive system and enable two-way communication between it and the brain.
Men often confront societal pressure to be providers, maintain emotional stability, and handle numerous responsibilities, which can contribute to mental health challenges. By focusing on enhancing digestive wellness, men can experience improvements in mood, hormones, and overall emotional health.
Men’s Health Month serves as a reminder to address not only physical well-being but also emotional health. By understanding the link between digestive wellness and emotional well-being, men can take steps to improve their gut microbiome and experience positive changes in mood and overall emotional health.