How Your Gut Bacteria Controls Your Mood

In this video I discuss the connection between your gut bacteria and depression. In your colon there is a garden of microscopic bacteria, fungi and viruses. This collection of organisms is called the gut microbiome. Individually your gut microbiota are minuscule but collectively they weigh about the same as your brain. When fed the right food they become an incredible pharmacy, they produce vital chemicals that are key to your immune system and they produce neurotransmitters such as Gaba and Serotonin. Gaba has a calming effect on the body and mind and Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite and pain sensitivity.
🔵 CHAPTERS
0:00 What is the gut microbiome?
0:58 The gut microbiome and depression
2:51 Faecal microbiota transplants
3:39 Psychobiotics
4:13 Antidepressants
5:30 The gut brain axis
🔵 Researchers are moving towards the development of microbiota-based interventions in the treatment of depression. For example, there are now a lot of studies that illustrate how Probiotics reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Now researchers are calling these probiotics, psychobiotics and the main constituent of these psychobiotics is the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus families. Fermented foods that contains lactic acid such as cultured milk and yoghurt products, sauerkraut and sourdough bread have been found to increase levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli families. Your gut talks to your brain and your brain talks to your gut, the communication is bidirectional. Your gut and brain send messages via your vagus nerve. Your vagus nerve connects the gut and brain, through what is called the gut-brain axis. It communicates information from the gut to the brain using neurotransmitters such as serotonin and glutamate, and gut hormones, all of which play a vital role in sleep, pain, mood, hunger and stress. Suddenly, the idea of having a ‘gut instinct’ makes sense. Have you ever noticed how language is rich with gut based expressions? Have your ever had a gut wrenching experience or butterflies in your stomach. Your emotions, brain and gut are intricately connected. In fact your gut is frequently called your second brain, it even has it own nervous system, the enteric nervous system. The enteric nervous system is embedded in the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, beginning in your oesophagus and extending down to your anus.
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🔵 ABOUT TERESA LEWIS
Teresa Lewis is the founder and Director of Lewis Psychology and a Senior Accredited psychotherapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Snr. Accred). Qualified in 1995, Teresa has been providing counselling and psychotherapy treatment for nearly 30 years. Teresa holds a masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy and is a qualified EMDR Practitioner having completed training accredited with EMDR Europe. Teresa is also a qualified adult educator and an accredited Mindfulness teacher As a recognised expert in her field Teresa is frequently asked to conduct editorial reviews and endorse counselling and psychotherapy books for international publishing houses.
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🔵 GRAPHICS AND THUMBNAIL
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[@Ladidasana]

Excellently done! I I was able to go off anti-depressants by changing my diet and focusing on nutrition. I also added acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. I haven’t been on antidepressants in 15 years. It’s not a simple fix and goes in combination with understanding and healing other factors that caused my depression. It’s a holistic approach. Thank you for this video!

[@LewisPsychology]

Wow, thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@jasongendron8309]

Can I ask what you changed your diet too that helped you get off antidepressants

[@Ladidasana]

I started with eliminating processed food, gluten, and dairy.

[@user-jo6kb6bh9v]

❤🎉 Thanking you for this valueable info,I take note due to PTSD symptoms can be better managed with something as simple as self care in the right way.. guided diet, exercise and routines that support healthy habits

[@user-AllieG12345]

Yes so true I love that I was able to get of my anti depressants feel like a totally different person. But I couldn’t of did it without the help of this product I’m on it has lions mane in it and omg I didn’t know it helped with so many things lol wish I would of know about gut health a long time ago. The product I take helps lower cortisol boost dopamine and serotonin supports inflammation growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The lions mane has been known to improve cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Lions mane contains two nerve growth factors NGF and BDNF which promotes the growth in several neurons in the brain leading to increase cognitive function helps with menopause and pre-menopause. Also contains an anti inflammatory which is often associated with conditions like arthritis heart disease and helps improve digestion and boost the immune system. Sorry I’m just trying to educate ppl on some of the good things I been learning and taking lol ♥️🫶🏼♥️

[@keithzastrow]

Yep 100% true. I consume kimchi, kefir, cottage cheese and yogurts that all have live and active cultures in them on a daily basis. It's incredible how much better I feel since starting that months ago.

[@LewisPsychology]

That’s great to hear, Thank you for sharing. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@ViralWatchMedia]

OK so I actually know for a fact there is something behind this, I started a fiber supplement a few months ago and my mood has never been better. I took a stool sample and they said all the good bacteria were thriving and my levels were considered above average for my age. Doctor said my gut health is better than 90% of the patients he sees. I take benefiber and finally linked my amazing mood to the supplement. it was so weird at first, i kept wondering why I was feeling so great and finally linked it to the increase of good bacteria in my gut!

[@LewisPsychology]

Thabks for sharing your story. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@magentamagenta1274]

Thank you, I did also want to say that I recently listened to a biologist podcast. She says that food diversity is crucial for gut health to provide aminos and other nutrients. In particular tryptophan gives serotonin and supports sleep, mental health issues. Also tyrosine for dopamine and other nutrients. So looking at foods that provide these and for me supplements because I rely on plants, nuts and seeds. :)

[@KindnessInChaos]

What fiber supplement did you try? Brand name?

[@blackpalacemusic]

Fibre is much more important than roughage

[@davidgarcia-rv3fs]

No way ! I will start taking fiber also lots of water

[@MandyWoodArtist]

This is a great talk - I keep forgetting this info - when my eating is not right I quickly go downhill - gut health makes a huge difference to me.

[@LewisPsychology]

Good food certainly makes a difference. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@marylamb6063]

I had severe depression and went to a Chinese doctor who had a reputation for curing depression. She asked me about my diet. I told her I had developed asthma attacks after eating eggs, which had never happened before. She said I needed antibiotics to kill bad gut bacteria, and also traced the depression to five foods, eggs being one of them. I did take them, three different kinds, and have never had depression since. I can now eat whatever I want.

[@ThistleRealm]

Hmmmmm 🤔 Do you know if it was something about the eggs or did she go into detail about it?

[@LewisPsychology]

Wow, that's great to hear, thanks for sharing. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@JustChristianThings]

You did take 3 different kinds of what?

[@marylamb6063]

@@JustChristianThings Antibiotics.

[@sebastianliwinski222]

Marylamb6063 would you mind recommending me this doctor?, I'm based in London

[@user-vk4vw4le1c]

Yeah you’re absolutely right my gut does affect my brain big time and I’ve had celiac disease I stay away from gluten, but through the years with this immune system that I got, I had adrenal problems thyroid, and now my body has attacked itself with Addison’s disease, and you are absolutely right the gut does affect the brain. It really has messed my life up I am trying to do better with sauerkraut, kimchi and Kiefer yogurt trying to get my gut straightened out because I have diarrhea, which is really messing my life up

[@annefitz7346]

Good luck with all that. It’s a lot. If you have the means try acupuncture. Some acupuncturists can prescribe herbs that may help too. 🍀🙏

[@ljo0605]

This is so true, I notice aswell when I'm stressed that I get stomach issues. I wish pharmaceuticals and the NHS would recognise the link and stop pushing these drugs on people that can cause more harm than good. Holland and Barrett has been more of a help to me than any pharmaceutical drug!

[@LewisPsychology]

I completely agree with you. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@sebastianliwinski222]

They won't recognise it. It's the system of medical schooling.

[@michellea9857]

It’s why I never trusted the NHS with their Covid injections, there are too many agendas out there. Power to the people.

[@user-vk4vw4le1c]

I don’t take no medication and I’m trying to prevent all of that. I agree I want to do it naturally I don’t want no prescriptions, so I’m trying to heal my body naturally I subscribe to you I like hearing what you’re saying it’s true.

[@user-jv2np4vm4x]

This is such a treasure channel, I am so glad I find you!

[@LewisPsychology]

That’s great to hear, thank you. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@katecraibcounselling101]

Brilliant video - as always! I have been interested in the link between our diet and our mental health for many years, and it's great to see it presented in such a clear way. Thank you!

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for your support. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@magentamagenta1274]

Thank you so much for your concise explanations. I changed my diet six years ago, I have had Graves’ disease and then developed hashimoto thyroiditis in my forties, the knock on with my stomach ibs, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis has taken a significant chunk out of my life with yo-yo gut health weight loss/gain, pain, discomfort and mental health struggles. Firstly I started intermittent fasting, I then eliminated foods that were high FODMAP, I stopped eating meat, fish and dairy and highly processed foods. I then discovered that I have the coeliac gene so I eat very little gluten. It’s been small significant changes but I’m glad I now have a sustainable lifestyle diet. It hasn’t given me a miracle cure as I still suffer flares and stomach issues but I feel much better now than previously.

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@shaunhayward]

I love your videos! You explain so wonderfully and clearly! This is a huge help. I would love to see your take on neurodivergence, sensory processing disorder, intensities/overexcitabilities, giftedness and theory of positive disintegration.

[@RoseMaryBowen]

Thank you for this video which brings awareness to what may be the real cause of depression. Diet is so important to our overall physical and mental health, not just weight-related issues. Always look forward to your videos!!! ❤😊

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for your support and wise words. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@shapursasan9019]

Life-changing information, for those who listen and understand. You are truly a gift to humanity, Dr.

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@martinshaughnessy3622]

Once i took an antibiotic (myocilin) with out precription. It had a dramatic effect on my mood and state of mind. It starved the bacteria in my gut which were and continue to play havoc with my moods.When i spoke to a GP he dismissed me as a hypochondiac abusing antibiotics. i never take anti biotics unless absolutely last resort. I will try the food advise.

[@LewisPsychology]

Thanks for sharing your story. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@sebastianliwinski222]

Wow, apparently doctors should be learning their whole life... They are too close minded people.

[@tcampbell1676]

Can you list more healthy things to eat to help with mood swings and depression?

[@user-AllieG12345]

Yes this is so true ever since I got on the product I’m on and taking care of my gut and just being healthy I was able to stop taking my antidepressants without any withdrawal that’s one reason I never stop I was scared of withdrawal but I didn’t have any my energy level are amazing my sleep is so much better I’m getting atleast 9 hours a night I’m just happy my anxiety and depression is gone my skin cleared up so many benefits I haven’t been so happy in over 10 years… this product works now I will always take care of my body.

[@user-AllieG12345]

It also has lions mane in it which is what helped my anxiety and depression it helps cognitive function and menopause and pre-menopausal it also contains a anti-inflammatory which is often associated with arthritis heart disease it also helps with improve digestion and boost the immune system . Lions mane also helps improved cognitive function to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety and hot flashes. The product I’m on also LOWERS CORTISOL BOOST DOPAMINE AND SEROTONIN SUPPORTS INFLAMMATION GROWTH OF BENEFICIAL GUT BACTERIA

[@LewisPsychology]

That's really great to hear. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@sebastianliwinski222]

What's the name of the product you took? If you don't mind sharing

[@user-AllieG12345]

@@sebastianliwinski222 I take a product called gbx fit & happy juice by Amare

[@shepherdboy9692]

This is ... wow. I've never heard of this. I have a complicated relationship with disordered eating and mental health and allergies. I have noticed for years, independently and without bias, that when I go on a cleansing diet or fasting diet and eat low-carb that my mood and mental health improves. I've even told people that I fell like a switch goes off and I'm a different person. The challenge is, with disordered eating, I can't seem to maintain the thing that keeps me well.

[@user-AllieG12345]

Have u ever heard of happy juice product?

[@annafrater50]

Im so enjoying learning and listening 🎧 to your videos 😀 so much rich and new information. Im really enjoying putting your vids on , on a regular basis now 😊

[@LewisPsychology]

Wonderful, that’s great to hear. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@jenlpoc1839]

Thank you. For years both my mother and I thought we were crazy because we would be thrown into anxiety attacks when we had stomach issues. Yes I know stress CAUSES STOMACH ISSUES but like you state I mean stomach issues CAUSING anxiety! A doctor prescribed prescription nexium for me one time and it threw me into the worst series of panic attacks I've ever had. I was having to double my kolonopin to counter the effects. It took me awhile to realize it was the nexium causing them. I assume it was suppressing my good gut bacteria. It took me weeks to get it out of my system and get my stomach back on track. It was horrible.

[@MrRaikhurram]

Suffering the Same So how u did it.

[@LewisPsychology]

Thanks for sharing your story. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@SoulMedia1]

So interesting! I’ve heard various bits and pieces of this information, but you pull it all together so accessibly and clearly

[@LewisPsychology]

That’s great to hear. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@Yomomma-jf9iy]

bruh, this is mind blowing

[@KindnessInChaos]

I’ve been dealing with depression and I’m going to focus on my gut health for overall wellness. I take digestive enzymes and drink kefir. I have to cut sugar and processed foods! I hope my mood improves!

[@LewisPsychology]

Let me know how you get on. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@frdmbe9258]

Thx you Lewis Psych. I am now beginning to really percevie "food is my medicine". Not to rely solely on medications.

[@LewisPsychology]

That’s great to hear. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@colleywalsh2652]

I would have appreciated more on the actual types and numbers required of probiotics and prebiotics needed to make changes in the gut. I had an unpleasant experience earlier this year of having to take four different antibiotics one after the other over a period of four weeks. Until watching this video I had not realised that was probably responsible for my low mood and my request to come off Effexor, an snri, as I did not feel it was working. This has resulted in me being in the middle of Effexor withdrawal syndrome at present. It says something about the health service when patients have to resort to You Tube to become educated about medication side effects.

[@user-AllieG12345]

Have you ever heard of the product happy juice by Amare I know the name is funny but it’s helped me so very much

[@a.s8221]

A very good share with updated research! Great generosity on your part!

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you kindly. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@miriamflanagan5494]

Brilliant thank you.

[@LewisPsychology]

Thanks for your support. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@stocky-revamp]

Trying to incorporate live culture yogurt with weetabix, strawberries and honey for breakfast sounds interesting to me. Your video has been very helpful and informative.

[@LewisPsychology]

That’s great to hear. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@royaseidy]

Thank you for video... Amazing.. I am big fan of different subjects of psychology.. Maybe one day I will study psychology.. I think all people should know and read this because it ends up in a good and healthy life.. 🌍💐

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you for your support. Yes, it’s such an important topic. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@tomostinato2918]

Excellent, just what I needed.

[@LewisPsychology]

Great to hear! Best wishes, Teresa.

[@andersjonsson8403]

Many thanks Teresa for a just so good video about this so important information that we have 2 brains communication via our 2 vagus nerves that runs along the body! Also so interesting that full 95% is in the stomach, I think it was the seretonin! Finally, as I see it, the big problem is the doctors' educationbooks dont mention the above! Greetings from a new subscriber!

[@LewisPsychology]

Glad it was helpful! Best wishes, Teresa.

[@Phangmaster]

I think the problem nobody addresses yet is why some people (for example) get super healthy on a Carnivore diet, whilst others do on a vegan diet, and so on. Different foods affect different people in different ways, it's incredibly complicated. I hope one day we know what's what. But I won't hold my breath.

[@LewisPsychology]

Gut bacteria and genetics. I will making a video on this. Best wishes, Teresa,

[@John-A]

Very informative and well done video! Thank you 👍

[@LewisPsychology]

My pleasure! Best wishes, Teresa.

[@YSC2013]

Thank you for good video 😊

[@mazsroy9]

Excellent material clearly explained. Thank you ❤.

[@LewisPsychology]

You're very welcome!Best wishes, Teresa.

[@Philosophical_Supremacy]

Interestingly enough last night I had vegan yogurt with cocopops before bed, and this morning I feel I have tremendously better mood then any other day this past month

[@michellea9857]

What are the best microbiome tests in the UK to undertake at home?

[@LewisPsychology]

I’m unable to answer this. If anyone can answer this I would love to know. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@fredfloyd34]

Oo a real doctor...Fantastic lady.

[@abatauqeer1]

Raw vinegar with mother is also a very effective.

[@LewisPsychology]

Yes, it is. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@SC-de5to]

Very interesting. I desperately wish it was for me but sadly I am lactose intolerant and I have alot of allergies so have been advised to stay away from histamine causing foods such as all you mentioned here. Histamine exposure is a major cause of inflammation so it may not be as perfect as they think because even if you aren’t sensitive to histamine foods you certainly will be after eating such high levels of it just to avoid taking antidepressants. It seems a long way off from perfect for people like myself and for so many people that have allergies etc etc Do you have any further advice for us ‘lepers’ in the can’t handle anything camp?

[@LewisPsychology]

I also have multiple allergies. I’m a big fan of fermented vegetables. Prebiotics are also in vegetables such as onions, chicory, garlic, asparagus, leeks and much more. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@SC-de5to]

Thanks for the reply. All the foods you mention cause major problems for me even though I love them I can’t tolerate them. Any fermented foods or vinegar laden are a complete no go as it just adds to the histamine. I would be better just eating nothing and only drinking water 😩

[@LewisPsychology]

@@SC-de5tofermented foods do not have vinegar. I also have multiple food and chemical allergies and I can eat sauerkraut and Kimchi no problem. Have a google of “prebiotic foods”, there will be a long list. Best wishes, Teresa

[@jasongendron8309]

@@SC-de5to Have you tried the carnivore diet? It works for some people also there's the gaps diet

[@SC-de5to]

@@jasongendron8309 Thanks for the advice. I haven’t heard of gaps diet. I will check it out definitely. I can’t do a carnivore diet as I don’t eat meat.

[@vansodasy2460]

Thank you for sharing

[@LewisPsychology]

Thanks for watching!

[@Topofthemormingtoyou]

Excellent video. 👍

[@LewisPsychology]

Thank you very much! Best wishes, Teresa.

[@Topofthemormingtoyou]

@@LewisPsychology Thankyou. Im trying to improve my health and my diet.

[@lexluger3490]

I wish mainstream medicine would catch up with these theories and invest time and resources into therapies. It's been 30 years since Dr Emeran Mayer has been shouting from the roof tops about this. But I'm pretty sure it's Big Pharma that's been the major obstacle.

[@LewisPsychology]

Well said. I totally agree with you. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@leopemberton5439]

Brilliant thankyou

[@MrCrisRobson]

🕊️ wonderful ❤

[@LewisPsychology]

Many thanks!

[@kcuhc84]

What apart from antibiotics kills the gut flora? Would it be alcohol? coffee?

[@LewisPsychology]

Not Eating a Diverse Range of Foods Lack of Prebiotics in the Diet Drinking Too Much Alcohol Antibiotic Use. Lack of Regular Physical Activity Cigarette Smoking Sugar Best wishes, Teresa

[@layna-heyhey]

interesting video. I was wondering, what makes processed food able to kill good bacteria?

[@LewisPsychology]

Food additives change the gut microbiota composition and may cause intestinal inflammation. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@layna-heyhey]

@@LewisPsychology oh wow . Thanks for replying. Subbed

[@lightingbird]

Thanks for this video. So are you suggesting to not use probiotics and instead use yogurt instead?

[@LewisPsychology]

I can’t advise you what to do. What I am saying is that there is a lot of good bacteria in food that will help populate the good bacteria i.e. live natural yoghurt and sauerkraut. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@apprenticebushman4205]

I've been researching Kato diet ,any suggestions? Im bipolar 2 ,

[@LewisPsychology]

I wouldn’t suggest a specific diet such as Keto. I would suggest good prebiotic food. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@43292]

CN you do a video on games people play by Eric berne

[@LewisPsychology]

I’ve done a video on the drama triangle and the game formula. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@OGAesthetics]

1:55 how long does this process take? i have low serotonin and i have so much gut issues.

[@LewisPsychology]

Good question. This really is different for everyone. Sorry I can't be exact. Best wishes, Teresa

[@emmaberrow7648]

What if you are on long term antibiotics for chronic uti. What can be done?

[@LewisPsychology]

Try to counter the effect with good food and probiotics. I’m a massive fan of green vibrance powder. Best wishes, Teresa

[@emmaberrow7648]

@@LewisPsychology thanks 😊

[@Bichonfrise369]

I have never seen a person taking unto depression Happy 🎊 those medication are not helpful is only good for pharmacy!

[@LewisPsychology]

I agree. Best wishes, Teresa.

[@magentamagenta1274]

@Bichonfrise369 I was given anti depressants for post natal depression 30 years ago, I was so distraught as I had to stop breast feeding my baby at only five weeks. This caused me so much stress. I stayed on anti depressants for three years. I can’t say that they helped me they now say. It’s placebo. I came off them after seeing a psychologist she suggested that I didn’t need them. I think it’s a great shame that doctors don’t advise self help and stress therapy to help people manage their mental health.

[@sayedmdirfan5463]

Hello! I am from India, I have been suffering from gut health issues for the last five years . Every time I feel more bacteria in my intestine and even in my anus ... please let me know what is the main problem going on with me and what disease it's called and what are the solutions.. please help me🙏

[@LewisPsychology]

Thanks for your question. I cannot make a diagnosis via KZbin. You may find it helpful to see your GP. Best wishes, Teresa.