Mental healthproblems are increasing globally owing to various reasons, including stress, poor lifestyle, substance abuse, and so on.

A study conducted by the WHO in 2019 asserts that mental health disorders account for approx 15% of all diseases worldwide.

Also, it says that more than 90 million Indians suffer from mental health disorders.

Genetics, life experiences, along with environmental factors are considered the primary reasons for mental health issues.But do you know poorgut health can also lead to such disorders? Dr.

Debojyoti Dhar, Co-Founder - Director, Leucine Rich Bio Pvt .Ltd says, “Mental issues are generally caused by chemical abnormalities in the brain.

However, very few are aware that the gastrointestinal tract, or the gut, is also responsible for causing such chemical imbalances.

Imbalances in gut microbiome, often caused as a result of poor diet or chronic stress, can interrupt the brain’s function, thereby affecting one’s mental health.

It may seem incredulous that our gastrointestinal system can exert such influence on our mental well-being.” “Nevertheless, experiences such as abdominal cramps, loose stools, or a jittery stomach during stressful situations prove a strong connection between one’s gut and mental state,” she adds.Troubled gut can lead to a troubled mindYour gastrointestinal tract, also known as ‘gut microbiome’ plays a substantial role in facilitating digestion, metabolism, and inflammation within your body.

Furthermore, gut microbiomes can either lift up your spirits or exacerbate your mood.

Your distressed gut, for instance, may send trouble signals to alert your brain.

Likewise, a distressed brain can send similar signals to your gut.

Thus, stress, or anxiety disorders can often arise as a result of intestinal distress.

According to scientists, gut microbes, such as Dialister and Coprococcus, identified in patients with depression, may cause mental health conditions.

Furthermore, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), as a trial therapy for mental health disorders, have also generated positive outcomes to a great extent.

For instance, FMT involves the transplantation of bacteria from Individual A’s gut microbiome into Individual B’s gut using stool samples from Individual A.

Several studies have claimed that FMT from donors without mental health issues have reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with mental health disorders.

The Gut-Brain ConnectionYour brain and gut are closely connected through countless nerves.

This interconnection not only helps you manage your emotions but also your digestive health.

Here’s how your gut-brain connection works–Building chemical and physical connections between your stomach and brain requires the joint effort of the following components:The vagus nerve: According to Dr.

Dhar, “ This large nerve connects your brain to your intestines.

Besides helping food move through your digestive tract, it facilitates the production of digestive enzymes.

Furthermore, it provides your brain and stomach with the feeling of satisfaction when you eat your meals.”The gut microbiomes: These are responsible for improving your general health.

The human gastrointestinal system comprises a diverse assortment of microorganisms, known as gut microbiomes.

This microbial ecosystem consisting of healthy bacteria and viruses breaks down food and connects your brain to your gut’s enteric nervous system (ENS), which is crucial for your digestive and mental wellness.

Since it uses neurons similar to those found in the central nervous system, The ENS is also known as the human body's second brain.Neurotransmitters: “Neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin, regulate emotions like fear and anxiety within the brain.

These chemical messengers also alleviate mood disorders.

According to experts, healthy neurotransmitter production in the brain depends on a healthy gut,” says Dr.

Dhar.How can you strengthen your gut health?A healthy and clean diet is the best way to improve your gut health.

Furthermore, fibre-rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and food with probiotics, such as yogurt, olives, buttermilk, and cottage cheese are generally recommended for keeping the gut flora healthy.How to test your gut health?“To maintain your intestinal health and gut microbial diversity, you may undergo a gut microbiome test to analyse the types of microbes in your gut.

Besides reflecting your intestinal health, such tests can also help you pick the best diet to support a healthy microbiome and a healthy mind.

Gut microbiome tests such Viome (US), Microba (Australia), Day Two (Israel), BugSpeaks (India) provide in depth gut microbiota profiling along with personalised nutritional recommendations to balance the gut microflora,” advises Dr.

Dhar.