The gut-brain connection: how Your stomach reveals your mental State

I had a few rough days and found myself struggling with my diet. It's whether I did not want to eat or I was craving specific things. I thought it was a personal problem and what alerted me was the fact that I could not afford these cravings so if I could afford then I would not recognise this abnormal behaviour.

Have you ever experienced a knot in your stomach when anxious or a sense of nausea during a stressful situation? The connection between your gut and brain is more than just metaphorical. Research by Dr. Michael Gershon reveals that your stomach can be a powerful indicator of your mental health.

"Chemicals implicated in depression and happiness such as serotonin are also found in the gut; 90 percent of serotonin is manufactured in the digestive tract and not the brain."

He also adds that the gut micro biome can cause changes in how our brains react. The gut and brain are linked through the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network. Your gut sends signals to your brain, influencing mood, emotions, and cognitive function. Similarly, your brain sends signals to your gut, affecting digestion and overall gut health.

This study thus tells us that we should be aware of what our guts might be communicating, here are some examples;

Butterflies in your stomach equal anxiety or stress. Just because the mind does not know the difference between a snake and stress it can send some weird signals to your gut.When you are going through a lot of un communicated emotions and unresolved traumas your gut may bloat or you may experience cramps. This is just the body saying get help.

Extreme stress or emotional overload can cause nausea and vomiting. This is when you begin to experience infection-like symptoms. We often rush to the hospital to no avail. An unbalanced gut micro biome, linked to depression and anxiety which often lead to digestive issues is another signal. It's either you can not eat or you overeat.

However, the ones I consider the worst are the hunger and cravings. Well, I can easily relate. It's either you are craving sugars or alcohol because these soothe your brain. Emotional eating, is often a coping mechanism for stress

Your stomach is more than just a digestive system; it's a messenger for your mental state. By listening to your gut and addressing underlying issues, you can improve both your physical and mental well-being. Embrace the gut-brain connection and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!