Staying Connected is Good for the Mind…and the Gut
Staying Connected is Good for the Mind…and the Gut
By James E. “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
Loneliness. The word itself evokes a feeling. It’s one of the negative emotions that carries a heaviness with it that can zap motivation, start us on a downward spiral, or keep us in the depressed state we’re already in. A study out of the University of California San Diego suggests that loneliness may influence much more than mood, it can influence (or be influenced by) the makeup of your gut microbiome. Reporting the results of the study, Inverse.com writer, Jocelyn Solis-Moriera writes that loneliness shouldn’t be confused with solitude – as many an introvert can tell you can be extremely healthy and beneficial. She writes of loneliness: “loneliness is driven by an innate need for social connection in the face of isolation or a perceived lack of intimacy.” In other words, it feels like something is missing: something that you’re yearning for.
Loneliness, Solis-Moriera writes, not surprisingly, can worsen the symptoms of behavioral health issues like anxiety and depression, and is associated with chronic inflammation. It can even lead to premature death. As humans, we are social beings, and that “innate need” to connect is a survival instinct. It’s that very instinct that’s driving us all a little bit batty in this pandemic-stricken present, where the masks and restrictions that are saving lives are making us all feel more isolated…and lonelier.
The Inverse.com article reports finding that loneliness is associated with a homogenous gut microbiome, meaning that there is far less variety in the type of microbiota present in the guts of those whom identify as being lonely than in the guts of those whom report higher levels of social support and social engagement. With the caveat that researchers haven’t figured out first: the loneliness or the more homogenous gut. So, while not conclusive en lieu of further research, the study suggests that having a stronger social life could prove vital to having a healthier gut with a more diverse microbiome. Fascinating stuff! To dig a little deeper, please find the article here:
Inverse: SCIENTISTS HAVE DISCOVERED A LINK BETWEEN ONE PROBLEMATIC EMOTION AND GUT HEALTH
And the academic study here:
Jed is a licensed psychotherapist that continues to be both amazed by and drawn to the mind-body connection. Check in on his blogs for news, information, tips, and commentary on topics related to – but not limited to – the mind-gut connection, behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, weight management, positive psychology, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, overall well-being, and anything else he feels patients will benefit from learning. Jed is actively accepting new patients. Call 224.407.4400 today and begin your journey to better health and enhanced overall well-being.