Mental Health Takes Guts

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel strong emotions in your stomach—like butterflies or a pit in your stomach? Why do you think that happens?

It’s because of a powerful connection between your gut and your brain, known as the "gut-brain axis." This connection is so strong that if your gut is unhealthy, it can lead to conditions like depression. or if you are in a high stress situation, it can give you an upset stomach. But what does this have to do with chiropractic care? Everything!

The primary connection between your brain and gut is the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain, down your spinal cord, to your digestive system. This nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the "rest and digest" response of your body. When activated, it’s like pressing your body’s built-in "chill-out" button.

Your gut is also home to trillions of bacteria—your gut microbiome—that produce essential hormones and neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, and 95% of your serotonin. These chemicals have a direct impact on your mental health. Unfortunately, stress can disrupt this system, causing not only indigestion but also altering the production of these critical brain chemicals.

Chiropractic adjustments can help activate the vagus nerve, reducing stress and promoting a healthier gut environment. By increasing parasympathetic input, adjustments help balance the gut microbiome, allowing it to produce chemicals at optimal levels. This creates a positive feedback loop between your gut and brain, strengthening the gut-brain axis.

So, by keeping stress levels in check and regularly enhancing the gut-brain connection through chiropractic adjustments, you can promote a healthy gut, a happy brain, and better overall mental health!