02 Oct October 5, 2023, is National Depression Screening Day: Depression and Your Digestive System

Depression affects men, women, and children of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups.

The gut and the brain are connected.  This is known as the Gut-Brain Axis.

Your gut microbes play a key role in disturbances of the Gut-Brain Axis.

Imbalances and lack of certain gut microbes can lead to incorrect signals to the brain, alteration in mood, and disruption of normal digestive system function.

Depression has been associated with heartburn, nausea, abdominal cramps, loose stools, and constipation.

Only about a third of people suffering from depression seek treatment.

Clinical depression is a serious medical illness.  If you think you may be showing signs of depression, click here to take a screening test.  A screening test is not a diagnosis, but it can be a helpful tool for starting a conversation about your mental health with your doctor or loved one.