The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Gut Health Affects Mental Wellbeing

18 Mar

We often think of mental health as separate from physical health — but science now shows your gut and brain are deeply connected. This relationship is known as the gut-brain axis, and it helps explain why gut imbalances often worsen anxiety, low mood, or brain fog.

The gut is home to over 100 trillion bacteria that influence your immune system, hormones, and even neurotransmitters like serotonin — 90% of which is made in the gut, not the brain (Harvard Health).

How Does the Gut Impact Mood and Mental Health?

✅ Leaky Gut triggers inflammation, which is linked to depression and anxiety (Frontiers in Immunology, 2021)
✅ Dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria) affects neurotransmitter production
✅ Chronic stress disrupts gut health, creating a vicious cycle

Research published in Psychiatry Research shows people with depression often have distinct gut microbiome changes compared to those without mood disorders.

Signs Your Gut Could Be Affecting Your Mood:

Bloating, constipation, or IBS
Low mood or anxiety
Brain fog
Poor sleep
Sugar cravings

How to Support the Gut-Brain Axis:

✔ Increase fibre and prebiotic-rich foods
✔ Consider probiotics for mood support (BMJ Nutrition)
✔ Balance blood sugar to reduce mood swings
✔ Address any gut infections or dysbiosis
✔ Practise stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or breathwork