The relationship between gut and hormones is a fascinating field of research that highlights the importance of gut health for overall well-being. Gut, which hosts a vast variety of microorganisms known as the microbiome, not only affects digestion but also plays a role in hormonal balance, mood, the immune system, and mental health, with many studies supporting this interaction.
Gut’s role in hormonal regulation
Gut is the body’s largest endocrine organ, producing more hormones than the pancreas or ovaries. The gastrointestinal tract produces substances such as serotonin, glucagon, and ghrelin, which have a direct impact on hormonal functions. In fact, about 90% of serotonin, the “happiness hormone,” is produced in the gut. This hormone is linked to mood regulation, appetite control, and digestion, therefore, gut health disorders can lead to imbalances in these hormone levels, contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, among others.
Gut and blood sugar: Effects on insulin
Gut is also crucial for regulating blood sugar and insulin. Research indicates that gut microorganisms play a role in insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes. Dysbiosis in the microbiome can trigger inflammation, which in turn affects the body’s ability to respond to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels. Specifically, a 2023 study in Nature identified certain gut bacteria associated with insulin resistance and sensitivity, highlighting the role of microbial carbohydrate metabolism in these processes. Another study from 2021 in JAMA Network Open found that higher diversity in the gut microbiome, particularly the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, is linked to lower insulin resistance and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Gut and estrogen: Effects on hormonal balance
One of the most intriguing and relatively recent discoveries is the relationship between gut microbiome and estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. Gut bacteria are responsible for converting precursor compounds into active estrogens, a process essential for regulating estrogen levels in the body. If the microbiome is not strong or well-balanced, this process can be disrupted, leading to estrogen imbalances that contribute to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause-related issues, or female fertility challenges. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Endocrinology reported that gut microbiome can influence estrogen production and metabolism, thereby affecting hormonal balance. Furthermore, a 2021 study in Nutrients suggests that diet and probiotic intake may modify gut microbiome, impacting estrogen balance and potentially helping manage symptoms related to hormonal imbalances.
Gut and anxiety: How it affects our mood
Gut health also affects mental well-being and mood through the gut-brain axis. Research shows that gut microbiome can influence the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and anxiety. When the microbiome is imbalanced and there is an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, this can lead to emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. A 2016 study published in Nutrients found that probiotics can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, indicating that maintaining gut health can have a positive effect on mood and mental health. However, probiotic consumption should always be guided by a health professional.
The relationship between gut and hormones is complex and continuously evolving. Gut health, through the microbiome and its hormonal interactions, plays a crucial role in regulating various hormonal systems in the body. Diet, probiotics, and maintaining a strong gut microbiome contribute to sustaining hormonal balance and may offer solutions to issues related to hormonal disorders and mental health.
Resources
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06466-x?
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2782527?
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1164186/full?
https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5647/6/4/56?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27509521/
