How gut health affects mental and physical wellness

You’ve heard it before: “You are what you eat.” Well, science is increasingly confirming that this adage holds true, especially when it comes to the impact of our gut microbiome on our overall health.

Recent studies have revealed that our gut bacteria play a significant role in everything from mental health to cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease.

From the very young to the old, from pregnancy to Alzheimer’s to cancer, your gut health plays an important role in your overall health.

“There is a natural abundance of the good and the bad bacteria there living together,” said Dr. Hariom Yadav, a neurosurgeon at USF Institute for Microbiomes.

New research out of Harvard found that gut bacteria produce a hormone called allopregnanolone.

This hormone is made naturally by the body during pregnancy. Low levels are linked to postpartum depression and other mental health issues, including cognitive decline, depression and anxiety.

Altered gut bacteria may also play a more important role as we age.

“The bad guys grow much faster than the good guys. The microbiome is very different in the people who are a high risk of developing dementia,” Yadav said.

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine suggests that gut bacteria may play a role in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

New research is also showing that eating too many processed foods can cause an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria.

Sugar and alcohol may also contribute to inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.