More than a gut feeling
Your gut is like a second brain. Research shows that it influences mood and behaviour, as well as many aspects of your physical health.
"Every surface of your body is covered in microbes," Dr Linda Thomas, Principal of Gut Feeling, said. "The largest colony of these microbes live in your gut. This is called the 'intestinal microbiome'.
"These 'bugs' protect you from disease, produce essential vitamins, and influence almost every aspect of human health."
Including mental health.
"A healthy microbiome is associated with improved mood, lowered stress hormone, lowered brain cell death, and reduced anxiety," Dr Thomas said.
"The microbiome is a huge part of pediatric health as well, especially brain development. It also programs a baby's immune system.
"Maternal stress actually changes the mother's milk, and has been correlated with infant food allergies."
Awareness of gut health is increasing and research has provided some startling insights into the "gut-brain axis" - the interaction and communication taking place between the gut and the central nervous system.
"Thin mice have been inoculated with the microbiome of obese mice, and become obese," Dr Thomas said. "And vice versa.
"Normal mice have been inoculated with the microbiome of depressed mice and become depressed."
'Prebiotics' - substances that 'good' microbes feed on - are also essential to microbiome health. These can be found in foods high in resistant starch, such as potatoes, and pulses like chickpeas and lentils.
Pro-biotics - foods containing live "good" bacteria - are also important and include things like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
"Taking a probiotic makes you more resistant to stress and can alleviate anxiety," Dr Thomas said.
Dr Thomas became interested in this area after her daughter, who struggled with anxiety, was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, an autoimmune gut disorder. With dual degrees in both clinical psychology and mucosal immunology, Dr Thomas was uniquely qualified to investigate how to help. Her daughter now is anxiety free.
"The bugs in your gut affect not only your mood and anxiety but also your immunity, inflammation, weight, hormones, brain ageing and even behaviour," Dr Thomas said.
Some of the areas of concern that Dr Thomas addresses at Gut Feeling include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Weight loss
- Gut disorders
- Hormonal problems
- Infant health and development
- Sleep problems and fatigue
- Allergies
- Food intolerances
- Challenging behaviours in children
- Autoimmune conditions
- Healthy aging
- Skin care
- Eating disorders
Gut Feeling is a revolutionary medical practice that is bringing the latest scientific discoveries about the gut to improve people's health and wellbeing at any age.
Their services include microbiome testing, health analysis, psychological testing, pathology tests, medical and clinical psychology consults, and individual dietary and lifestyle prescriptions.
They also offer microbiome transplants for weight loss, IBS, colitis, and behavioural issues including autism.
"Our multidisciplinary medical practice relies on science and up-to-the-minute medical research to bring you the best, most personalised care possible," Dr Thomas said.
"Now more than ever you should trust your gut."
