Healing Your Intestines Can Help You Feel Better

deniz aktaş
3 min readFeb 17, 2022

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Microorganisms that dwell in our intestines include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. These bacteria develop abnormally as a result of poor lifestyle choices or genetic abnormalities. Numerous studies have connected these abnormal increases to depression. Let’s take a look at depression, the gut-brain link, and how we might assist.

What’s the connection between gut health and depression?

In a word, the role of our intestines in the body is to guarantee that degraded meals from the stomach reach circulation. Although I can outline the work succinctly, it is more complicated than it looks. It takes millions of germs to do this. There is no need to be alarmed since they are beneficial bacteria that our systems need heavily.

What use are they if our meal does not make it into our bloodstream? The quantity of beneficial bacteria in our intestines is immense, and they coexist in perfect harmony. Bacteria thrive in our intestines. The host is pleasant. It feeds beneficial bacteria, which aid in immune system growth and digest nutrients that are not absorbed. Intestinal disorders are caused by abnormal increases in their number.

Another important role of the beneficial bacteria is the release of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that causes individuals to feel cheerful, active, and in control. Serotonin deficiency results in a gloomy, tired, and timid disposition.

According to research, the brain only secretes 5% of the serotonin hormone, however, our intestines secrete more than 90%. The gut-serotonin connection, which came into our lives with this pivotal finding, is still the subject of several research today. This vital information might pave the way for the development of innovative therapies for psychiatric illnesses such as depression.

What foods are excellent for the intestines?

Prebiotics and probiotics, which regulate gut flora, contribute to this. They promote the growth of healthy bacteria in our intestines.

Prebiotics are found in fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Also, prebiotics are fibers contained in some meals that the body is unable to digest. They serve as food for bacteria and other beneficial organisms in the stomach.
Add prebiotics to your shopping list;

• Jerusalem artichoke

•Garlic

•Onion

•Leek

• Asparagus

•Banana

•Barley

•Oat

•Apples

• Konjac root

• Cocoa

• Flaxseed

In contrast, probiotics are a naturally occurring mix of beneficial live bacteria and yeasts. Probiotics, like prebiotics, benefit the gut in diverse ways. It is composed of beneficial microorganisms.

They are live bacteria and yeasts that are very good for your digestive system. Probiotic medicines are popular, but consult your doctor before using them. Probiotics are also present in fermented foods and may be obtained naturally. Consider adding probiotics to your grocery list.

• Yogurt

• Kefir

• Sauerkraut

• Tempeh

• Kimchi

• Miso

• Kombucha tea

• Pickle

• Traditional buttermilk

• Natto

• Some types of cheese (Swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Edam, Gruyère, and cottage cheese)

Finally, with the discovery of the link between the hormone serotonin and the intestines, the relationship between depression and the intestines has received increased attention.
According to several studies, increased gut health may help with depression. Prebiotics and probiotics, which are good to our gut health, may make us feel better emotionally and physically. It can’t hurt to give it a try. I wish you happiness and good health.

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deniz aktaş

Dietitian with a license. I am a science, health, and wellness fanatic. Follow for food, sports, science, health, and lifestyle topics.