Overcoming Psychological and Neurological Disorders with a Holistic Approach: The Power of Gut Health and Functional Nutrition Counselling

As a Certified Functional Nutrition Counsellor and Neurochange Practitioner, I have seen first-hand the powerful impact that gut health can have on psychological and neurological disorders. This is not only supported by emerging research, but also by my own personal journey of being diagnosed with PTSD, ADHD, and OCD at the age of 44.

Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the link between gut health and these disorders, the psychology and mindset coaching industries have largely overlooked this critical connection. In this article, I will dive deeper (and yet still only scratch the surface) into the research and highlight the importance of a holistic approach that addresses gut health as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Gut Health and PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances (to name only a few).

Research has shown that individuals with PTSD often have alterations in their gut microbiome, including reduced microbial diversity and changes in the types of microorganisms present. One study found that individuals with PTSD had higher levels of a gut bacteria called Ruminococcus torques, which has been linked to inflammation and negative mood states.

Additionally, other studies have found that interventions such as pre and probiotics can improve symptoms of PTSD (which is also part of my work in ‘5 R’s‘ that we do in clinic). For example, a recent study found that individuals with PTSD who were given a probiotic supplement experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.

Gut Health and ADHD/OCD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two neurological disorders that can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Both disorders are often treated with medication, but emerging research again suggests that addressing gut health can also be quite beneficial.

One study found that individuals with ADHD had lower levels of certain beneficial gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Additionally, another study found that children with ADHD who were given a probiotic supplement experienced significant improvements in their symptoms.

Similarly, research has shown that individuals with OCD often have alterations in their gut microbiome, including reduced microbial diversity and changes in the types of microorganisms present. One study found that individuals with OCD had lower levels of a beneficial gut bacteria called Bifidobacterium.

A Holistic Approach to Treating Psychological and Neurological Disorders

The emerging research on gut health and psychological and neurological disorders highlights the need for a more holistic approach to treatment.

In addition to interventions such as pre and probiotics, other lifestyle modifications can also be beneficial. For example, reducing stress and getting regular exercise or activity can help improve gut health and reduce symptoms of psychological and neurological disorders. Understanding the link to sleep (watch for a future article I’ll write on this, specifically) is proving to be much more beneficial to gut health than some have believed in the past.

It is important to note that while medication can be helpful for managing symptoms, it’s not always the best long-term solution (and I’m absolutely not against meds – but those of you who know me know I lean toward holistic plans for ‘long-term’ whenever possible). By addressing gut health as part of a comprehensive treatment plan – which ideally includes genomic testing, individuals with psychological and neurological disorders can achieve markedly better outcomes and improve their overall well-being.

Me…Wrapping it Up

As I’ve said, I believe the link between gut health and psychological and neurological disorders is a critical area of research that has been largely overlooked by the psychology and mindset coaching industries until recently (past 40-50yrs).

As a CFNC and Neurochange Practitioner, I’ve not only witnessed this disconnect in care first-hand, but equally in clients. The powerful impact that addressing gut health can have on many disorders; by incorporating a more holistic approach that addresses gut health, professionals in these fields can help their clients achieve better outcomes and improve their overall well-being. Holistically.

If you’re struggling, mentally, ask about your gut. Look into it. Have the tests done. Approach someone trained specifically in it (like Yours Truly), and get started waaaaay back at your ‘root cause’; (likely) your gut.

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Sources and studies:

• Bercik, P., et al. (2010). The intestinal microbiota affect central levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor and behavior in mice. Gastroenterology, 139(6), 2066-2074.
• Bravo, J.A., et al. (2011). Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. PNAS, 108(38), 16050-16055.
• Foster, J.A. & McVey Neufeld, K. (2013). Gut-brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neuroscience, 36(5), 305-312.
• Kelly, J.R., et al. (2015). Transferring the blues: depression-associated gut microbiota induces neurobehavioural changes in the rat. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 63, 109-118.
• Kountouras, J., et al. (2019). Potential implications of microbiota in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Annals of General Psychiatry, 18(1), 15.
• Liu, R.T., et al. (2019). Gut microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Agumentative Therapy, 26(4), 1279-1289.
• Slykerman, R.F., et al. (2017). Effect of lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in pregnancy on postpartum symptoms of depression and anxiety: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. EBioMedicine, 24, 159-165.