How Digestibility Impacts Mood
My Introduction
There are millions of words, even billions of words written on the gut-brain axis. Everyone has an opinion, idea, supposition, research, and so much more.
It is exhausting to sort through and find the relevant pieces. I have been on that quest for over 25 years after my diagnosis. I feel into the school of medicating the symptoms, treating the one organ that was “causing the problem.”
It is not one organ, a simple diagnosis, but that is what medicine is. Doctors are taught a closed school of thought. As customers to that system it is our job to educate our selves, to question the medical profession. After all there is a reason it is called “practicing medicine.”
Mental Health and the Gut-Brain Axis
1. The Vagus Highway and Neurotransmitter Production
The gut and the brain are in constant, bidirectional communication via the vagus nerve, a massive neural highway.
- The Serotonin Secret: Over 90% of the body’s serotonin (the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, feelings of well-being, and anxiety) is produced in the gut, not the brain.
- The Impact of Digestion: When the digestive tract is inflamed, irritated, or bogged down by hard-to-digest modern proteins and anti-nutrients like phytic acid, the gut’s delicate lining suffers. This systemic stress sends immediate “distress signals” up the vagus nerve to the brain, frequently manifesting as brain fog, irritability, or heightened anxiety.
2. Systemic Inflammation and “Leaky Gut”
When complex proteins (like modern, high-gluten hybridized wheat) aren’t fully broken down, they can cause microscopic tears in the intestinal lining. This is often referred to as increased intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut.”
- The Mood Trigger: When undigested food particles or toxins cross into the bloodstream, the immune system triggers a state of chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation.
- Neuroinflammation: Modern neurobiology has shown a direct link between chronic systemic inflammation and psychiatric conditions, including depression and fatigue. By utilizing einkorn (which has an incredibly fragile, water-soluble gluten structure) and allowing the sourdough and buttermilk acids to pre-digest the grain, you prevent the digestive friction that triggers this inflammatory response.
3. Nutrient Bioavailability and Mental Vitality
As noted in the recipe guide, phytic acid locks up vital minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc. These aren’t just important for physical health; they are absolutely essential for psychological health:
The Sourdough Benefit: Because the phytase enzyme in sourdough breaks those phytic bonds, your body can actually absorb these minerals. Feeding your brain the micronutrients it needs is a direct step toward stabilizing mood and supporting cognitive clarity.
Magnesium: Crucial for calming the nervous system, regulating cortisol (the stress hormone), and promoting restful sleep.
Zinc and Iron: Essential co-factors for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin.
My Closing
Over the past 30 plus years of my recovery, facing many lifestyle changes due to the years of drug/alcohol use and entering sobriety, I have always held that quiet belief that I am responsible for me. However, I allowed myself to be led into another belief, doctors are in authority. Funny considering when I remembered what my maternal grandmother use to teach me about natural health and using food to heal the body, “doctors are only practicing medicine,” they do not have the answers. My first doctor, a gynecologist/obstetrician told me it is my body, I am in control, I get to decide, I was 17 at the time. It took facing a health challenge for me to remember their wise advice.
I not only faced healing my body from the years of alcohol use, the drugs including cigarettes, the physical abuse of a life time but the mental healing of all of the above. My path has led me on a winding journey, not a straight line. Recovery is messy, emotional, lonely, and above all else rewarding.
I am my best friend. My best medical practitioner, my best student and teacher. I hold certificates in many areas, all meaning I am also a practitioner, I do not have all the answers.
I am practicing life, recovery, love, healing, blessings, teaching, and guiding. I am fallible, emotional, above all else I AM.
The research does not end with this article, it is but a list to stimulate you into digging deeper, learning more about you. My diet is extremely restricted. Boring. I had to find a way to make it appetizing, stimulating and healthy, to heal me.
REMINDER: This is my research, my path, my method, it works for me when I apply it and when it does not I ask “why?” Then I go find out.
Need a bit of encouragement and insight? Let’s chat. Connect with me today.
Added Note about this article: the outline was provided by Gemini, research and further information is mine.
