What does the gut microbiome do for us?

If you've been following my updates, you know I'm obsessed with the incredible connection between your gut and your brain – what we call the gut-brain axis. Today, we're diving deeper into the absolute star of that show: your gut microbiome.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

Think of your gut microbiome as a bustling, microscopic city living right inside your large intestine. It's a vast collection of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. Don't worry, most of them are there to help!

We have what's called a symbiotic relationship with these tiny residents. Basically, we feed them with the food we eat (and some can even munch on the gut's mucous lining), and in return, they offer us an incredible array of benefits.

The Mighty Benefits: More Than You Can Imagine!

So, what exactly do these tiny residents do for you? More than you might imagine, especially when it comes to managing ADHD:

• Regulating Gut-Brain Communication: Your microbiome is a key part of the two-way street between your gut and your brain. They help send "all is well" signals from your gut to your brain, which can actually help your brain calm down and reduce that feeling of being "on" all the time.

• Digesting Your Food: Your gut microbes are crucial helpers in breaking down the food you eat, extracting vital nutrients. Have you ever noticed that when you start reacting to certain foods and cut them out, you sometimes begin reacting to even more foods? This can be a sign that your microbiome might be depleted and struggling to process things effectively.

• Balancing Your Immune System: Believe it or not, your microbiome plays a massive role in regulating your immune system. This is super important for ADHDers, because we really want to avoid an overactive immune system. Why? An immune system that's constantly on high alert can lead to persistent inflammation, and that inflammation can hinder your neurotransmitters (like dopamine and serotonin) from working as effectively as they should.

• Boosting Your Nutrient Status: Your gut bugs actually help your body create important nutrients, like various B vitamins and Vitamin K. They also play a role in how well you absorb other key nutrients vital for ADHD support, such as magnesium and zinc.

• Creating Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): Your gut microbes produce these amazing compounds called Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). These aren't just good for your gut – they're vital for repairing and maintaining your gut lining. And here's the game-changer for ADHD: SCFAs are also used as crucial building blocks for creating your neurotransmitters!

• Regulating Mood: It might seem strange, but your gut microbiome has a direct influence on your mood. This is largely because of its ability to create those beneficial SCFAs, which, as we just saw, are then used to produce the very neurotransmitters that regulate how you feel.

  
  

ADHD and Microbiome Diversity: What the Latest Research is Showing

The science connecting the gut microbiome and ADHD is exploding, and it's incredibly exciting! Recent studies are increasingly showing a fascinating pattern: individuals with ADHD often have a gut microbiome that isn't as diverse as that of people without ADHD. This lack of diversity can mean missing out on many of the health benefits we just discussed.

One specific study, looking at both adults and children with ADHD (including those on psychostimulant medication), found a significant difference in the diversity of their microbiomes. Interestingly, children on psychostimulant medication, in particular, showed a lower abundance of a specific strain called Bacteroides stercoris CL09T03C01 and fewer bacterial genes involved in Vitamin B12 synthesis.

Why is this important? Because Vitamin B12 is absolutely crucial for helping your body create neurotransmitters. It plays a vital role in a process called methylation, which is essentially how your brain builds and recycles these essential chemical messengers.

Test, Don't Guess!

So, what does all this cutting-edge research mean for you? It doesn't mean that everyone with ADHD should immediately start popping probiotic pills. What it does mean, however, is that actively supporting and nurturing your gut microbiome could bring significant, natural benefits for those navigating ADHD.

My philosophy has always been "test, don't guess." This is why I offer functional gut testing here in my clinic. This type of testing can precisely identify the specific bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in your gut. This allows us to see exactly which ones are present, which ones might be supportive in managing your ADHD symptoms, and which ones could potentially be making things worse.

If you struggle with persistent gut issues like pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation (or a mix of both!), IBS-type symptoms, or even excessive burping or flatulence, then getting your gut tested is even more crucial. When we test, we're able to pinpoint exactly what's going on, allowing me to create a highly tailored plan to help not only your gut function better, but your brain too.

Ready to uncover the secrets of your gut microbiome and unlock new possibilities for your ADHD management? Let's chat!