Healthy Gut, Healthy Brain

With today’s busy lifestyles, brain fog can make our days sluggish and unproductive. Difficulty focusing is often blamed on lack of sleep or hectic schedules. While these factors may be partly to blame, many people are unaware that the root of the problem could be based in their gut. Having a healthy gut is a key to having a healthy brain. 

The Gut-Brain Connection

It’s safe to say that the brain is the “supercomputer” for all the body’s functions, however, we don’t often think that a healthy digestive tract will play a part in a having better mental clarity. The gut manufactures the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood. If the body has a serotonin deficiency, it can cause anxiety, depression and a general brain fog. There are two common causes of imbalances in the gut: infections and diet. 

Infections 

Candida and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are the two most common gastric infections.  Candida is an overgrowth of yeast. This can be caused by taking antibiotics, eating a diet high in carbohydrates, drinking too much alcohol and even birth control usage. The overgrowth of yeast coats the lining of the intestinal tract and suppresses the ability to manufacture or secrete serotonin. It can also create chemicals that are actually toxic to the brain. A diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol typically causes SIBO. It can also cause a deficiency in the vitamin B12 which also helps to stabilize mood and focus. 

Diet

The highly processed American diet can create poor psychological symptoms. Casein, a protein found in dairy and gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye, can create inflammation and gut leakage. This leakage can impact the brain and affect mood. It also makes it difficult to absorb nutrients which can lead to extreme vitamin deficiencies including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and the B vitamins - all of which are an important part in brain health and mood stabilization.  

Are you struggling with brain fog or mood disorders? It might not be your brain. Contact Dr. Justin McCarthy in Lubbock, Texas to discuss your symptoms. Using the latest diagnostic testing, we can help you determine if the issue is gut related. Once diagnosed, we can work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan for a healthy gut and enhanced mental clarity.