Surprising Connection Between Anxiety and Gut Bacteria
When we hear the word bacteria, most of us start thinking about the different diseases and infections that it can cause. But we often fail to realize how gut bacteria can help our body. We might not even be aware that there is also what we call gut bacteria, or gut flora, which is known as the “good” bacteria.
Gut bacteria influence our health in various ways such as protecting the body from harmful microorganisms, and it even draws out energy from the food we eat to be used when needed.
Researchers are just recently learning different ways how gut bacteria affect our health. The most recent discovery is with regards to the relationship between anxiety and gut bacteria.
How Gut Bacteria Affects a Person’s Level of Anxiety
Conclusive evidence has been found, and it proves that an individual’s mood may be influenced by the balance of gut bacteria in the body. This discovery concerning anxiety and gut bacteria would surely help a lot of people, especially those who have been suffering from severe mood disorders.
The studies revealed that when gut bacteria is sufficient, it can influence the biological molecules known as microRNAs (miRNAs) found in the prefrontal cortex as well as in the amygdala. These miRNAs are presumed to affect the physiological processes that are vital to the operation of the individual areas of the brain and the central nervous system. The parts of the brain like the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex are the areas most affected by depression or anxiety.
Biological Molecules and Its Important Function
These biological molecules are nucleotides with short sequences that may affect and regulate how our genes are formulated. Any impairment or abnormality with the miRNAs could predispose a person to neurodevelopmental disabilities, neurodegenerative conditions, and stress-associated psychiatric diseases. Hence, alterations to the miRNAs in the brain could lead to problems similar to anxiety.
Different Foods Which can Help Enhance Gut Bacteria
The food we consume daily has a huge effect on our gut bacteria. Below are some foods that contribute to improving our health and enhancing the growth of gut bacteria in our body:
- Fermented foods
Food becomes fermented when it is exposed to yeast or bacteria. During the process of fermentation, its sugar content is converted into organic alcohols or acids and become rich in lactobacilli. This kind of bacteria lives in the genital, urinary, and digestive system.
- Prebiotic foods
Prebiotic foods are those that promote the proliferation of microbes inside the body. Mostly, this type of food is made up of complex carbohydrates and fiber which can be used as a source of food for gut bacteria.
- Fruits and vegetables
The best source of nutrition for gut bacteria is fruits and vegetables. This group of foods is rich in fiber that can only be digested by microbiota.
When gut bacteria is enhanced, your health, as well as your mood, could also improve. Hence, it is important to eat healthy foods and take supplements like Organic and Kosher Certified PURE Freeze Dried Açai Berry Powder Capsules to get the sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.