The Infection Disrupting Your Gut Microbiome and Mental Health

More people are talking about mental health than ever before. This is important, especially since cases of depression and anxiety are on the rise¹ Unfortunately, conventional medicine often fails people because it only addresses one part of the problem. Functional medicine looks for the root cause of your health condition. This is why addressing gut health can really help mental health concerns. For example, did you know there’s a connection between gut microbiome and mental health? You may not realize it, but if you have Candida overgrowth you may struggle with mood swings, depression and anxiety, or other mood imbalances! 

The rates of mood disorders have skyrocketed over the last several years. The same is true for mood-stabilizing medication² While antidepressant medications can help, there are other ways to treat an imbalanced mood. Today I want to talk with you about the link between candida and anxiety. Candida and depression also dance to a certain tune. Stick around! I’ll show you how you can improve your mental health naturally and effectively. 

Gut Microbiota Brain Axis

What are the root causes of mood imbalances? More importantly, how can you overcome them? In my experience, the number one cause of mood imbalances stems from an imbalanced gut microbiome. It might surprise you to learn that your gut produces 95% of your serotonin. Serotonin is the key neurotransmitter for regulating mood. 

Let’s talk about the connection between the gut microbiome and mental health. Your body interconnects in amazing ways. What happens in your gut affects your brain, and vice versa. How does this work? There’s a communication system within you called the gut microbiota brain axis. This system involves communication between your immune system, neurotransmitters, hormones, and more. When gut infections or candida overgrowth disrupts the healthy balance in the gut, all the other systems malfunction as well. You may have heard the saying “the gut is the second brain”. Well, it’s true!

Underlying gut infections play a huge role in your overall mental health. Many people with mood imbalances often struggled with SIBO or Candida overgrowth. 

The Connection of Candida and Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Swings

In order to understand the link between candida and anxiety, it’s important to know what candida is. This will help you understand how candida and depression are so closely linked as well. Candida is a type of yeast. It’s normal to have very small amounts living in your mouth and intestines. Under normal circumstances, candida helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. Typically the good bacteria in your gut, as well as your immune system, prevent your Candida population from overgrowing. However, candida overgrowth can pose many problems. 

Poor diet, stress, alcohol, and environmental pollutants can disrupt the gut microbiome. Candida is considered “opportunistic”, meaning it will take any opportunity to multiply uncontrollably. When this happens, it coats the lining of your intestinal tract. This coating suppresses your ability to produce or secrete serotonin. If your body cannot produce enough serotonin, mood disorders emerge. You may begin to feel symptoms of mood swings, depression and anxiety.

The Role of Serotonin

Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate your mood. What many don’t realize is that your gut produces up to 95% of serotonin. Therefore, a serotonin deficiency can cause mood imbalances. Poor gut health can disrupt healthy communication along the gut-brain axis. As a result, you might experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression. 

Your gut health can influence on your body’s serotonin levels. For example, if you’re dealing with gut issues like IBS, leaky gut, Candida overgrowth, or SIBO, there’s a good chance your serotonin production is being impaired. When you have an imbalanced gut microbiome, neurotransmitters can’t communicate well . This is due to how your gut-brain axis works. Signals are then blocked, and serotonin production slows down. It’s like a traffic jam on a major highway. In this way, candida overgrowth can have a negative impact on serotonin levels.

What Happens When Candida Overgrows

Candida overgrowth does more than block serotonin production. It also breaks down the wall of your intestine. In time, this can lead to leaky gut. When you have leaky gut, candida and toxic byproducts can enter your bloodstream.

This can lead to many different symptoms, including:

• Irritability, moodiness, anxiety, and depression
• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, or ADHD
• Skin and nail fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus
• Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
• Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
• Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching
• Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

How To Restore Gut Microbiome and Mental Health

Understanding the connection between candida and anxiety, as well as candida and depression, can make all the difference. There is good news, though. Once you address candida overgrowth and bring your serotonin levels back to an optimal level, you can enjoy a more balanced mood!

You may currently be on antidepressants or other mood stabilizers. If that’s you, I recommend working with a functional medicine doctor. They can help you manage candida overgrowth. You may also be able to lower your dose or come off medication altogether!

I’ve helped thousands of patients restore mood balance by overcoming candida overgrowth. To do this, I use a simple, proven protocol focused on killing the yeast. First, it’s important to get rid of the sugars that feed yeast. Then, I recommend taking targeted yeast-killing supplements. Finally, you need to restore the good bacteria that keep the yeast in check.

You can follow this exact same protocol at home. Check out my free training on how you can say goodbye to candida overgrowth in three easy steps! One of the best tools in my arsenal is Candifense®. This formula contains a potent combination of enzymes that breaks down the yeast cell wall in the gut. It encourages a more balanced environment that promotes good bacteria. Additionally, it discourages candida overgrowth.

Mental health matters. Furthermore, you understand the powerful connection between the gut microbiome and mental health. I hope this empowers you to take the steps towards a more vibrant, energized, healthier you!