The Secret between Serotonin and your Gut
I’m sure we have all heard of the neurotransmitter called serotonin… it’s the happy, or “good mood” hormone, right? Serotonin, in fact, does help stabilize mood, regulate anxiety, enable a feeling of happiness, and can even regulate sleep and wakefulness. It’s logical then to understand why pharmaceutical companies design the majority of the medications used for mental health to affect how our brain uses serotonin.
What many people don’t know is that 90- 95% of serotonin is actually made in the gut. In the nerve cells, that is. The huge matrix of our gut contains millions of these nerve cells. Because the gut has a massive surface area, it is known as the body’s largest sensory organ.
As a result, our gut and brain are HIGHLY connected with both organs communicating about our thoughts and feelings ALL day long. Therefore, a gut that doesn’t feel well or is undernourished will likely affect our mood negatively, whereas a gut that is healthy and well-nourished may actually improve our sense of well-being.
Interestingly, our gut also has millions of bacteria living in it. Approximately 100 trillion to be exact. You’ve probably heard the word microbiome which is a community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in any given habitat. Knowing this and nutritionally speaking, there are millions of good bacteria who desire to be fed their favorite food— fiber. Fiber comes from plant-based foods like vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, healthy whole grains, and lentils. This is what really nurtures and takes care of them.
When they are taken care of, they take good care of us too. From vitamin production, hormones, the immune system, sleep and circadian rhythm, and even mental health! With their favorite food coming in, this makes those good guys more effective in all the functions they do to help us function at our best!
And, I bet you didn’t know that the different colors, the colors of the rainbow, the textures, all of those veggies and those foods have their own microbiome, too. So, they are actually bringing a different biodiversity that also helps your gut microbiome, your immunity, digestion, and that wonderful brain of yours!
Feeding our good bacteria can affect how serotonin is made, and if our GI system is inflamed for whatever reason (antibiotics, diet changes, infections, stress, genetics) the serotonin produced may not be able to live up to its full potential. Therefore the old adage is true.. food is medicine!
If you struggle with GI issues, aren’t sure how to fuel your body adequately, or suffer from disordered eating or an eating disorder, we are here for you. Don’t wait to contact us!
Written by Paige Adkins, RD, LD