Clogged and Fogged: Depression and constipation linked to the gut microbiome
PSYCHOGASTROENTEROLOGY NERD ALERT!!!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month:
Clogged and Fogged: Depression and constipation linked to the gut microbiome.
By James E. “Jed” Foster, MA, LMFT
A fascinating new study out of Columbia University demonstrates that changing serotonin levels in the gut and brains of constipated mice can alleviate their depression. The article below posits that psychiatry may be getting it wrong by targeting the brain, rather than the gut, with medications that may actually be exacerbating the constipation/depression cycle.
Please keep in mind that more research must be done in this area, and that by no means am I suggesting that you alter your current treatment for depression. This is simply another puzzle piece in the mind-gut connection that helps scientists focus research in the hopes of finding better ways to treat behavioral disorders by honing in on the second brain and the source of 95% of the serotonin in our bodies: the gut.
https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/depression
Our providers are well versed in all the latest treatment options for IBS (and other functional GI conditions) including nutritional interventions, optimizing the mind-connection with gut directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and utilizing the huge variety of potentially beneficial supplements and medications. One size does not fit all – you need to have an individualized treatment plan.
We are eager to help IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE and have you THINK LESS ABOUT YOUR GUT. Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com to schedule a consultation.