The neurotransmitters in our brains and our guts originally came from the microbes through evolution.
The gut microbiome contains 100 trillion microorganisms living inside our digestive system. The microbes take advantage of the close communication system with the nervous system. They communicate with the areas of the brain that are crucial for emotions and a sense of well-being.
Your emotions involve your brain, gut and the microbes. If you’re upset, it affects the other parts of the system.
Disturbances can come from many angles to shift the system out of balance. In fact 98% of the body’s serotonin is packaged and influenced by the gut. Serotonin changes the behavior of the microbes.
Garbage food upsets the gut and messes with your emotions. Comfort foods change the microbes, leading to inflammation and influencing mood.
It’s all connected. Look at what you're eating and how it's affecting your mood.
Listen in as Dr. Emeran Mayer discusses the relationship between your gut and emotions.
Dr. Emeran Mayer received is MD/PhD degree from the Ludwig Maximilian's University in Munich, Germany, did his residency at the Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, and his GI fellowship training at the UCLA/VA Wadsworth Training Program.