Digestion-related depression

[ScotHill]

I’ve had some periods of depression and anxiety in the past but largely related to external circumstances (although I never quite realised that at the time).

Recently I’ve had episodes of rubbish moods and dark thoughts that seem to pass at the same time as a damn good ste, or at least +/- an hour or so, after a few days of struggling with both. I know that mental health can affect digestion but never read much about the other way around, digestive condition affecting moods so strongly. Nothing particularly changed in my life or in my outlook over those days.

I’m trying to eat clean for the next month or so to see if I can stay on top of it, but does anyone else recognise this kind of scenario?

[mcelliott]

ScotHill said:

I’ve had some periods of depression and anxiety in the past but largely related to external circumstances (although I never quite realised that at the time).

Recently I’ve had episodes of rubbish moods and dark thoughts that seem to pass at the same time as a damn good ste, or at least +/- an hour or so, after a few days of struggling with both. I know that mental health can affect digestion but never read much about the other way around, digestive condition affecting moods so strongly. Nothing particularly changed in my life or in my outlook over those days.

I’m trying to eat clean for the next month or so to see if I can stay on top of it, but does anyone else recognise this kind of scenario?

Yes poor gut health and depression is a thing, the gut and the brain are closely linked. When I get bouts of anxiety my stomach is nearly always the first thing to get affected

[oddman]

ScotHill said:

I’ve had some periods of depression and anxiety in the past but largely related to external circumstances (although I never quite realised that at the time).

Recently I’ve had episodes of rubbish moods and dark thoughts that seem to pass at the same time as a damn good ste, or at least +/- an hour or so, after a few days of struggling with both. I know that mental health can affect digestion but never read much about the other way around, digestive condition affecting moods so strongly. Nothing particularly changed in my life or in my outlook over those days.

I’m trying to eat clean for the next month or so to see if I can stay on top of it, but does anyone else recognise this kind of scenario?

Suspect it's something to do with vagus nerve. A really satisfying bowel movement will involve a lot of vagal stimulation.

Crudely speaking your sympathetic nervous system prepares you for fight/flight and your parasympathetic nervous system is resposible for rest/digest and tones down arousal states. Anxiety and depression can be seen as states where arousal/stress levels are uncomfortable or are inappropriate for the circumstances. Hence there is interest in what could balance arousal this by stimulating vagal or parasympathetic activity

Implanted vagal nerve stimulators are a niche but successful treatment option for severe depression.

Some of the cold immersion stuff and breathing techniques such as 4,7,8 breathing also taps into parasympathetic activity.

Beyond this, Gut/Brain axis is definitely 'a thing'. Anything you do to keep your gut happy is likely to have a neutral to positive effect on mental health.

[anonymous-user]

I too have gut issues which can lead to me feeling down. What I do:

Intermittent fasting. 21hrs of fasting with a 3 hour eating window.

Kefir yogurt. Seems to help my stomach feel better.

Simple diet. Meat/fish and rice. Eggs. Plenty of fruit and veg.

I do not consume any refined sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

3l of water a day.

Exercise.

Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 2nd January 10:25

[RGG]

My anecdotal self observation and dietary change.

I listed my favourite meals.

Continued with the ones where I could reduce the Carbohydrate content.
Plus, increased the fats and protein content.

I feel a lot better for it.

Fuller for longer.

And don't "need" the processed carbohydrates (chocolate sweets cakes etc) hardly if at all now.

[danb79]

mcelliott said:

Yes poor gut health and depression is a thing, the gut and the brain are closely linked. When I get bouts of anxiety my stomach is nearly always the first thing to get affected

Same

This has been an issue for me for years now; more so the last 4 due to other health issues that snowballed into gallbladder related issues, which I'm still having quite serious issues with

It's not easy unfortunately

[Chris Stott]

If you’re feeling down try and get a Vit B12 shot.

B12 has a major influence on mood and gut issues can often lead to poor absorption of B12.

It was a huge help to me when I was initially diagnosed with a thyroid condition and the treatment ruined my previous incinerator like digestive system.