It’s all in your GUT. Should you be swapping an anti-depressant for a probiotic?

If any of you are avid health enthusiasts, you will be no stranger to the health trends and research emerging regarding the importance of our gut which seems to have been overlooked up until recently. Referred to as our second brain by many scientists, nutritionists and researchers, it is authors such as Giulia Enders who have given us something to think about. Should you be swapping an anti-depressant for a probiotic?

Enders explores notions in her novel ‘GUT’ about the way in which our gut is influencing our mental state rather than the other way around. Notorious symptoms of anxiety and depression often involve nausea, bloating, stomach pain and discomfort but what if rather these are the root of our mental health issues? Could it be that it is your gut that needs the healing rather than your head? Enders discusses the way in which it is a damaged gut that can influence our state of psychology rather than the other way around.

Some researchers such as Enders suggest that the proliferation of gut issues e.g intolerances, allergies and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be linked to the consumption of artificial preservatives and sugars, high stress levels, exposure to metals, overuse of antibiotics and toxins which promote oxidation processes in the body.When the gut lining is damaged from these irritants, and most often the regular consumption of such processed foods as well as alcohol (a huge contributing factor), the immune system weakens, and our bodies struggle to digest and absorb good bacteria and nutrients from our food.

The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for filtering toxins, bacteria and viruses but a weakened or inflamed gut can weaken its ability to do this. Digestive imbalances can inflict inflammation and strain onto the brain and other parts of the body which can influence the functioning of these organs.

Inflammation is the response of the immune system to signs of infection, bacteria or unwanted matter in the body, and most significantly some 80% of our immune system is found in the gut. There is scientific evidence showing a link between brain inflammation and mental health issues.So, if the cause of these psychological problems is due to inflammation, it is very likely that the root of this is stemming from one’s gut struggling to work.

Nutritionist, naturopath and author Helen Padarin, recently discussed her own gut issues as a premature baby, growing up with eczema, asthma, food allergies, ongoing bronchitis and other illnesses where she then faced a bout of depression in her late teens. She discusses that looking back now, it makes a lot of sense, as she has come to understand the impacts of the micro bugs in our gut and their relation to our brain. Unfortunately, healing your gut isn’t an instantaneous process. It usually takes around 2 years to properly heal. The most important thing to keep in mind is being consistent in your approach. Don’t underestimate the damage that can be done to your gut. It is in your own interest for your own mental and physical health to nurture, heal and treat your gut the right way.

What does the NDIS cover in terms of dietician, nutrition, food etc.?

NDIS has listed dietetics as a registered service, and specific funded services such as dietician consultation, diet management, dietician group sessions have been listed under the category of "Improved Health and Well Being". To be successful in including this in your NDIS plan, its recommended that this service be discussed in the planning meeting. One needs to explain why and how a dietitian consultation relates directly to your disability. The need should then be linked in with your goals (e.g. Improved health and wellbeing, developing healthy eating habits, building daily independence, building capacity, Ability to live alone which requires a tailored meal plan). The NDIS plan will not cover the cost of the actual food but it may cover the delivery component.

Another successful approach to including this type of professional services in an NDIS plan is where it forms part of a multi-disciplinary approach. By multi-disciplinary approach this could form part of an early childhood intervention package where a dietician can work in consultation with your other therapists on the best approach for a child. The dietician does not need to be separately identified as part of the plan as the early intervention plan offers flexibility. However not all dieticians are registered as NDIS providers, so it's important to search for dieticians in your area that are registered. It is also unlikely the NDIS will provide funding for services from a "Nutritionist”” due to a lack of rigour and legal determination around the use of this term. While they can still give expert advice on nutrition and health, nutritionists do not undergo the same rigorous training that dieticians require to become accredited practitioners. Remember, the NDIS will cover all supports that they deem reasonable and necessary, but it's up to you to make it clear:

• Clearly state what your individual nutrition/dietary goals are and what supports you will need to achieve these goals
• Be specific! The more specific and individualised your goals are, the more likely you will receive funding for the services you want

Here are some of the NDIS registered service providers you can find on Mycarespace who may be able to help you with dietary related concerns, outcomes and NDIS plans:

Hit100  https://www.hit100.com.au/

Newcastle Dietetics http://www.newcastledietetics.com.au/

Ability Nutrition http://www.abilitynutrition.com.au/

Allied Dietetics http://www.abilitynutrition.com.au/

Optimum Health Solutions http://www.opt.net.au/

Nutrisense http://www.nutrisense.com.au/

Ways to Heal Your Gut

• Feed your gut with both pro and prebiotics
• Eat foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties such as green leafy vegetables, nuts like almonds and walnuts, omega 3 fats (salmon, flaxseeds, avocado), olive oil
• Whole grains in place of white flour products
• Take natural gut healing remedies such as slippery elm
• Avoid caffeine, refined sugars, processed and artificial foods
• Drink apple cider vinegar to stimulate digestion and bile production

Links to useful sources of information you may want to consider when doing your own research:

You can purchase ‘GUT’ by Giulia Enders here https://shop.abc.net.au/products/gut-the-inside-story-of-our-pb

http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/brain_inflammation.html

https://paleovalley.com/articles/full/could-your-mental-health-issue-be-the-result-of-your-gut-bacteria

This article was written by Sarah Cooper.  Sarah is a journalism student with a great interest and passion for health and nutrition. She has launched her own blog where she creates her own healthy recipes and looks into all interesting areas of health