Gut Bacteria: How They Influence Our Mood

Last month, numerous articles were published in the New York Times, The Atlantic Monthly, and many websites detailing researchers' findings that further support our gut's connection to mood, behavior, and well-being. Clinically, it is always fascinating when a patient comes to see me, and I work with them to clean up their guts (by eradicating fungus, candida, parasites, etc.), and they report feeling more emotionally balanced and even-keeled. Science has proven why, and it is no longer just a nice side effect that people enjoy from doing my protocols.

The key to why the gut affects mood lies in the enteric nervous system, which is embedded in the gastrointestinal walls. It consists of hundreds of millions of neurons and can operate separately from the brain and spinal cord.

The enteric nervous system uses more than 30 neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. 90 percent of serotonin and 50 percent of dopamine are produced in the gut. These are probably considered the most important neurotransmitters that correlate to mood. This enteric nervous system (or gut brain) is also known as the second brain, because of its independent effect on the entire body. When the gut is bombarded with malicious bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, molds, rickettsia, protozoa, and other forms of toxicity, it will negatively impact the uptake of serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and many other neurotransmitters.

There are thousands of different species of bacteria in our guts. These bacteria produce different neurochemicals, which can affect all the systems of our bodies, including the nervous system. Researchers have discovered that if there is a preponderance of specific bacteria, certain positive or negative neurochemicals may be more abundant. Certain bacteria may also affect the way that we are processing these neurochemicals. Bacterial strains may interfere with neurochemical pathways, but also increase the functioning of these pathways. A researcher by the name of Cryan has studied the link between certain strains of bacteria and their production of butyrate, which is a compound linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression.

In the May 2015 issue of Psychopharmacology, neurobiologist Phil Burnet discussed his work with a prebiotic (galactooligosaccharide). Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria strains in your gut and encourage their growth. Subjects who were given this prebiotic showed lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. They also focused more on positive words that were flashed across a screen in a test that is used to determine levels of anxiety and depression. Burnet determined from this work that similar results were observed with the prebiotic as they are seen with anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications.

I'll often recommend a prebiotic after a patient's initial detoxification protocol is completed. If a person tests for a prebiotic, it can help their immune systems, and help their mood. Prebiotics like arabinogalactan, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides can encourage the healthy strains of bacteria to proliferate.

It's not just bacteria. The bad guys such as parasites, protozoa, candida, etc., may also have a negative effect on our mental states.  A recent study in the Journal Schizophrenia Research finds a correlation between a specific parasite Toxoplasma Gondii and the incidence of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in people that are infected. The common route of transmission to humans are through cats.

I love my dog, who is an Olympic licker, but I put the kibosh on his licking as this is a mode of transmission of parasites. It is a really good idea to wash your hands well after being licked by your loving pets, or better yet don't let them do it at all. This does not mean that everyone who has a parasite, or this particular parasite, is going to have a mood disorder. However, it certainly shows how microorganisms can affect more than just our physical health.

To truly get yourself healthy, mentally and physically, it starts with your gut!

• Know your food sensitivities
• Detox the bad guys from your gut (eating well is not enough if you have a parasite or another microbial issue, it is imperative to detoxify so that your gut can function normally)
• Encourage the good guys to proliferate in your gut with diet and supplementation.
• Work with a functional medicine doctor, who does muscle testing, saliva testing, or specialized blood testing to determine what is going on in your gut.

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in NYC specializing in holistic remedies for good health maintenance and prevention of disease. Visit his website at www.HolisticChiropracticCenter.com to learn more.