For a long time it was believed that the… Head up it was just “cooked” in the head. But today people are increasingly talking about another piece of the puzzle: what happens in the intestines. The idea is simple: when this inner world is out of balance, it can be seen in the way we live every day.
More and more studies are showing that what happens in the digestive system not only affects digestion or daily energy, but also how a person feels, reacts and processes their emotions. The Gut microbiota plays a central role in this balance.
The Dr. Maria Dolores de la Puerta, Microbiota and gut health specialist, explained that the gut is actively involved in the production of neurotransmitters essential for emotional well-being, such as: Serotonin, dopamine and GABA.
According to the doctor, maintaining a balanced microbiota is not just a digestive issue. There may also be specific differences in the emotional stabilitythe level of anxiety and the ability to feel calm or well-being in everyday life.
The specialist describes neurotransmitters as the “words” the body uses to communicate. Nervous system. Every emotion, thought or sensation is mediated by these chemical molecules that enable the transmission of information within the body.
What many people don’t know: These substances are not only created in the brain. The intestine houses a own nervous system – the enteric nervous system – which contains a number of neurons comparable to that of the spinal cord.
This system manages one Constant dialogue with the intestinal microbiota. Through this interaction, beneficial bacteria directly influence the production of neurotransmitters associated with mood, calm, and motivation.
The Dr. de la Puerta points out that the Microbiota It is one of the most active systems in the body. The compounds produced by its bacteria pass through the intestinal wall, enter the bloodstream and act on various organs, including the brain.
When this ecosystem is in balance, beneficial molecules such as short-chain fatty acids, neuroactive peptides and neurotransmitters are created that promote emotional stability. Among them, serotonin occupies a central place.
The specialist emphasizes that about 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the intestines.. Therefore, disruption of the microbiota can alter mood, increase anxiety, or make it difficult to feel calm, even in the absence of an underlying psychological problem.
As he explained, practices like Meditation, sufficient rest or positive social contacts They help stimulate these neurotransmitters, but do not replace a healthy gut foundation. Without a balance Microbiotathese stimuli lose their effectiveness.
Another important point is this short chain fatty acidsB. Butyrate, which can cross the intestinal barrier and activate receptors in the brain. These signals strengthen communication between the intestines and the central nervous system via the vagus nerve.
This evidence solidifies an increasingly accepted idea: Microbiota care is not a fadbut rather a concrete strategy for maintaining long-term emotional well-being.
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