The Link Between Digestion and Mood in Pregnancy & Postpartum

The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional change, don’t I know it, since you’re reading this, I bet you do too! Do you want to find out why your mood is all over the place and how you can best support yourself so you don’t lose it at your partner for breathing the wrong way or stacking the dishwasher wrong, again!? Let’s talk about how your gut health is influencing your mood.

The Gut-Brain Connection

It has been long known in the scientific community that there is a profound link between the gut and brain, which is referred to as the "gut-brain axis" which means that what happens in the gut can directly impact brain function and mood. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, this connection becomes especially crucial. 

Neurotransmitters: Why should I care?

Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, emotions, and cognitive functions. Two key neurotransmitters for mood are serotonin and dopamine.

Serotonin

Known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. And guess where it is primarily produced!?, in the gut! Approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Which is why our gut health is so pivotol in the regulation of a healthy mood.

Dopamine

Is associated with pleasure and reward, can you say hello yummy chocolate and wine and hello dopamine hit!. Imbalances in dopamine levels can lead to mood swings and feelings of irritability which can be felt with the post sugar crash 🙁

Digestion’s Role in Neurotransmitter Production

The gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, influences neurotransmitter production. A healthy, balanced microbiome can support the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, whereas an imbalance or dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) can disrupt this process.

Nutrient Absorption

Healthy digestion ensures essential nutrients are absorbed effectively. Vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium, play critical roles in neurotransmitter production and function. Inadequate absorption of these nutrients can negatively affect mood. Malabsorption can significantly impact mood by depriving the brain of essential vitamins and minerals.

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate, often seen in those with malabsorption issues, can lead to symptoms of depression and irritability. Iron deficiency may cause fatigue and impaired cognitive function, further affecting mood. Addressing the underlying cause of malabsorption enables restoration of nutrient levels and improving mood stability.

Gut Health

The health of the gut lining and the balance of gut bacteria impact healthy neurotransmitters production and utilisation. 

Impaired digestion can significantly affect blood glucose regulation, in turn impacting mood. Impaired digestion can lead to inconsistent or poor absorption of carbohydrates, causing fluctuating blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can result in mood swings, irritability, and even anxiety or depression. Stable blood glucose levels are crucial for maintaining steady energy and emotional balance. Consistent and stable mood can be achieved by addressing digestive issues and improving glucose regulation.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Postpartum and pregnancy hormonal changes can affect digestion and gut health. Elevated levels of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone may influence gut motility and the gut microbiome, potentially leading to digestive discomfort and mood changes.

The HPA-AXIS

Digestion plays a crucial role in regulating the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which is essential for mood regulation. When digestion is impaired, it can disrupt the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters that influence the HPA axis. For instance, poor digestion can lead to inflammation or imbalances in gut microbiota, affecting cortisol levels and the stress response. This disruption can impair the HPA axis’s ability to regulate stress effectively, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, or depression. 

Inflammation and Histamine

Inflammation and dysregulated histamine levels can have profound effects on mood and hormone regulation. Chronic inflammation can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters and hormones, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability. Elevated histamine levels, often associated with allergic reactions or sensitivities, can exacerbate these issues by causing additional inflammation and interfering with hormonal balance. Both inflammation and dysregulated histamine can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating stress and mood. Addressing these factors through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or medical treatments can help restore balance and improve emotional and hormonal health.

Key Takeaways

So Mumma, the key take-away message here is, you’re not supporting your gut health which impacts your brain and mood.  If we don’t support our gut health, we can’t expect to feel happy, calm and regulated. The good news is you can feel happy, calm and regulated when you nourish yourself from within and get to the root cause of your mood dysregulation. If you don’t do this, no matter how healthy you’re eating and exercising if you don’t support your digestion your body will never be able to absorb the necessary nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy mood resulting in a perpetual cycle of having the best intentions of feeling happy and positive only to find out you, yet again, have to force it. It’s time to ditch that old behavior and pave the way for a healthier and happier version of you.