At The Dr Jenni Clinic, we understand that achieving and maintaining great health is more than just addressing any outward physical signs. One of the most fascinating aspects of the body’s stress response is that the reactions to both physiological and psychological stress are the same. Whether it’s caused by inflammation in the gut or external factors like trauma, the body releases the same stress hormones, producing the same effects.
Our holistic approach means that we take a deep dive into both your physical and mental health. This allows us to create tailored health plans that incorporate comprehensive dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes and, when necessary, therapeutic interventions. Our functional nutritionist, Emily, loves talking to our patients about this as much as Dr Jenni does.
How Does Your Gut Influence Mental Well-being?
Your gut and brain are in constant communication – a relationship known as the gut-brain axis. Think of it as a two-way conversation where each party significantly influences the other’s mood and functioning. For instance, if you’ve ever felt butterflies in your stomach when anxious, that’s your gut responding to a signal from your brain.
But the flow of communication goes both ways. When inflammation or other issues disrupt the balance in your gut, it sends stress signals to your brain. This can then manifest as anxiety, depression or other mood disorders. It’s this stress response that means conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression.
The Stress Hormone Link: Cortisol and Inflammation
Cortisol is the primary hormone the body releases during times of stress. It’s responsible for many of the physical sensations associated with anxiety, such as a rapid heart rate, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and headaches. It’s even linked to weight gain. Gut inflammation can also lead to increased cortisol production, perpetuating these symptoms even when there is no immediate external stressor.
Inflammation in any part of the digestive tract often plays a role in many health issues and, using food as medicine, The Dr Jenni Clinic works with you to tackle this head on. By identifying and eliminating foods that trigger inflammation and incorporating those with anti-inflammatory properties, we’ve supported many patients in balancing their cortisol levels. In turn, this has helped them alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Supporting Mental Well-being Through Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy gut-brain axis isn’t just about reducing inflammation, it’s also about making sure you provide your body with the right building blocks for optimal brain function. This means balancing key nutrients that are directly or indirectly related to mental health.
For example:
- Stabilising blood sugar levels: Sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar can contribute to anxiety and mood swings. Replacing processed foods with balanced meals rich in healthy fats, proteins and fibre ensures more stable energy levels throughout the day.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fats are crucial for brain health and are found in low-mercury fish or high-quality supplements.
- Amino acids: Taurine, an amino acid found in meat and fish, can have a calming effect on the nervous system. L-theanine, found in green and black tea and some mushrooms can also be helpful for many people.
- B vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins: Ensuring adequate levels of vitamins such as B12 and vitamin D can significantly influence mood and overall mental well-being.
Emily, our Functional Nutritionist, has a wealth of experience to help redress any gut/brain issues you might be experiencing.
The Role of Key Vitamins in Mental Health
Two crucial vitamins for mental well-being are vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (folate). Both are involved in methylation – a vital process for cellular growth and repair. They’re also vital for building neurotransmitters, the natural signalling molecules that enable healthy brain and nerve function. Deficiencies in these vitamins have been linked to symptoms like anxiety, depression and fatigue.
Vitamin B12 may be difficult to absorb for some people, including those with digestive issues or on certain medications(e.g., antacids). Those with low dietary intake might also struggle to maintain adequate levels. This is why we often recommend testing and, if necessary, supplementation or injections to quickly restore balance.
We also consider vitamin D, which is crucial for immune health and mood regulation. Since sunlight is the best source of vitamin D and can be limited during certain times of the year (especially in the UK), we often recommend regular supplementation to support mental and physical health.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Well-being
At The Dr Jenni Clinic, we know that achieving true health means looking at the whole person. While we often begin by addressing physiological imbalances in the body, we also consider emotional and psychological factors that may be impacting a patient’s health. Our approach combines functional medicine, dietary therapy and mental well-being strategies, such as mindfulness and stress management techniques.
For those dealing with the impact of trauma or chronic stress, our psychotherapeutic counsellor is available to support mental health recovery. This comprehensive approach allows us to create individualised health plans that address both body and mind.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor mental well-being, it could be worth exploring whether your gut is playing a role. Through our 1:1 consultations in functional nutrition and private GP and counselling consultations, we can help you build a personalised long-term healthcare plan that supports both gut health and mental well-being.
Book a function nutrition appointment.
Discover more about functional nutrition and contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve better health and a better quality of life.
With love,
Dr Jenni