How a Healthy Microbiome Improves Your Mood

A healthy microbiome plays a significant role in influencing mood. In fact it is way more important than most people realise. Here's how:

1. Gut-Brain Connection (The Gut-Brain Axis)
The gut and brain are in constant communication through the "gut-brain axis," a pathway involving the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. This connection means that what happens in your gut can directly affect your brain and vice versa.

2. Production of Neurotransmitters
Many neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin (often called the "happiness hormone"), are produced in the gut. In fact, approximately 90% of serotonin is synthesized in the intestines by gut microbes. A balanced microbiome supports the production of these mood-regulating chemicals.

3. Influence on Inflammation
Gut bacteria play a role in controlling systemic inflammation, which is linked to mood disorders like depression. An unhealthy gut can lead to chronic inflammation, which may contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

4. Stress Response Regulation
A healthy microbiome helps regulate the body's stress response. Certain gut bacteria influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs the release of stress hormones like cortisol. When the microbiome is balanced, stress is managed more effectively, reducing anxiety and mood fluctuations.

5. Microbial Diversity and Mental Health
Studies have shown that people with more diverse gut microbiota tend to have better mental health. A rich and varied microbiome supports resilience against mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

The Final Word

A healthy microbiome is actually essential for a healthy mood. In fact if someone has mood issues it is one of the first areas that should be addressed. After all, 90% of the "happiness hormone" is made in the gut by friendly bacteria.

Anybody who has recently been on antibiotics should definitely be focusing on repopulating their microbiome with friendly bacteria.

Herbalife's Simply Probiotic Powder Mix is an excellent source for probiotics. For more information on this product, tap the image below.