If you've been running in health circles lately, you may have heard of the term microbiome. The microbiome refers to the populations of microorganisms  (good and bad bacteria) living in our guts. In the last several decades, their impact on health have been largely ignored. Now, recent research has revealed that they play an incredibly prominent role in our health as well as our emotional well being! (I will more specifically focus on mental health here).  Therefore, if you're suffering from anxiety or depression, it could be that these little “critters” in your gut are to blame.

The microbes that live in your gut actually influence your feelings which influences behavior. These microbes directly communicate with your brain along your gut brain axis. This is also known as the vagus nerve. We used to think the brain was doing so much of the communicating but in recent years we have learned so much more.

Your gut microbiome actually communicates with your brain and it has a lot to say! The vast majority of the neurotransmitter serotonin, known as the "happy neurotransmitter", is created in the gut and communicates to the rest of the body. If this neurotransmitter isn't happy, you aren’t going to feel happy. Dopamine is another transmitter largely produced in your gut that is deeply connected to your mental health. It is responsible for motivation, memory, concentration and also plays a role in your mood. GABA is the last one I will mention here. Having balanced out levels of GABA is so vital when it comes to calming the central nervous system. It helps with feelings of anxiety, stress and fear. It may also help with ADHD,  Panic and Mood disorders such as depression.