TL;DR - If you're going to go for Gut Tests/Microbiome tests etc, what markers on those tests should you be paying attention to that may indicate there's something in your Gut contributing to your mental health issues, and also low appetite? I've had bloods done, and my thyroid, autoimmune, nutrients etc are all good, most in optimal, some were adequate range but I have addressed those.
Over the last 5-6 I've steadily improved my diet and lifestyle - Being less sedentary, hiking/exercising, eating mostly whole foods, cutting right down on processed foods, no alcohol, never smoked, no drugs, no caffeine. Most of what I eat is whole foods with some fortified foods in there also. I also meditate, journal, do deep breathing, walk to be mindful etc.
I have done a lot of testing throughout those years such as Blood tests, but I realised I never really did an extensive look at my gut health.
Even at times when I was very healthy and living an all round great lifestyle, despite having some peace I still had a few issues -
1) Anhedonia and emotional flatness - I don't always feel this way, but I have felt this way for a long time, and therapy, meditation and healthy lifestyle improve it but haven't really resolved it
2) Low appetite - About 6-7 years ago I stepped on the scales and realised I was 135lbs. I gradually lost 30lbs over the course of a couple of years because despite being healthy and exercising, I wasn't eating enough calories but since I had low appetite, I didn't really notice. I was an idiot. I gradually built my weight back up by eating calorically dense foods like nuts and dates and I felt a bit better, but my low appetite is something I'm still dealing with.
3) Random uneasiness, anxiety and irritability.
I've paid close attention to my mind, lifestyle, gotten professional support through docs, private care and therapists, and it hasn't resolved the issue.
Only place I can think I haven't really looked hard at is my gut health, which may explain why me feeling bad seemed to come on all of a sudden.
Over the last 5-6 I've steadily improved my diet and lifestyle - Being less sedentary, hiking/exercising, eating mostly whole foods, cutting right down on processed foods, no alcohol, never smoked, no drugs, no caffeine. Most of what I eat is whole foods with some fortified foods in there also. I also meditate, journal, do deep breathing, walk to be mindful etc.
I have done a lot of testing throughout those years such as Blood tests, but I realised I never really did an extensive look at my gut health.
Even at times when I was very healthy and living an all round great lifestyle, despite having some peace I still had a few issues -
1) Anhedonia and emotional flatness - I don't always feel this way, but I have felt this way for a long time, and therapy, meditation and healthy lifestyle improve it but haven't really resolved it
2) Low appetite - About 6-7 years ago I stepped on the scales and realised I was 135lbs. I gradually lost 30lbs over the course of a couple of years because despite being healthy and exercising, I wasn't eating enough calories but since I had low appetite, I didn't really notice. I was an idiot. I gradually built my weight back up by eating calorically dense foods like nuts and dates and I felt a bit better, but my low appetite is something I'm still dealing with.
3) Random uneasiness, anxiety and irritability.
I've paid close attention to my mind, lifestyle, gotten professional support through docs, private care and therapists, and it hasn't resolved the issue.
Only place I can think I haven't really looked hard at is my gut health, which may explain why me feeling bad seemed to come on all of a sudden.
