How does “gut health” affect depression?

Gut health is critical to the production of “feel good” chemicals.  Also the gut is the place where our bodies absorb nutrients, and a nutrient deficiency can cause depression. 

Our mental, emotional and physical health and well being are all interconnected in many ways that most people don’t realize.

For example, not all of the “feel good” chemicals are produced in the brain.  In fact, 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut.  That means that gut health is vital to mental and emotional well being.

Candida is an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive tract and is responsible for numerous physical, mental, and emotional problems.  We can correct candida overgrowth by reducing sugar intake, drinking more water, and increasing our intake of veggies and fiber.  We can also eat fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, yogurt, and/or kefir.  Also taking supplements like fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes can help.

Another factor that harms our physical, mental, and emotional health is chronic inflammation.  Turmeric (with black pepper) is often used as a natural supplement to help correct inflammation and is available in health food stores and online.

Here are a few episodes of Linda’s Corner Podcast about gut health and depression.  Scroll down to see more resources from Hope for Healing to overcome depression.

Episodes of Linda’s Corner Podcast on depression and mental health

What else can I do about depression?

Emotions are chemical.  There is a physiological reason why we feel the way we do.  We have a reward center in our brain and when it is flooded by “feel good” chemicals (dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, etc.) we feel happy.  We also have “stress” chemicals (cortisol, adrenaline, etc.).

Hope for Healing offers many videos and articles to share fast and easy action steps that decrease stress chemicals and increase “feel good” chemicals.  For example, there is a short video on our 5 minute morning routine to increase happiness.  We also offer a free audio course on dealing with depression, a free ebook with a step-by-step plan to alleviate depression, and so much more.

Claiming our power

It is so empowering to know that there is something we can do to overcome depression and other mental and emotional issues.  Please check out the free articles, videos, audio courses, and ebooks offered by Hope for Healing.

We have the power to create the life we want.  We’ll show you how.

Crushed – How I healed from depression