The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Belly Talks to Your Brain
Your gut and brain are deeply linked through nerves, chemicals, and microbes. Caring for your gut with healthy food, sleep, and stress relief can boost both mood and mental clarity
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Stomach Affects Your Mind
Have you ever had a “gut feeling”? Science shows it’s not just a saying—your gut and brain are deeply connected. In fact, the gut has its own nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the “second brain.” This system has millions of tiny nerve cells that communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve.
Your gut also produces important mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Surprisingly, most of the body’s serotonin actually comes from the gut. These chemicals influence mood, memory, digestion, and more.
Trillions of gut bacteria also play a vital role. They produce small molecules that reduce inflammation and protect the brain. On the other hand, stress activates the body’s alarm system, the HPA axis, which can damage the gut lining, cause inflammation, and affect mental health.
A healthy gut helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s. Poor gut health, however, is linked to depression and other mental health issues.
