Your gut and your brain are constantly communicating. You might notice it when nerves make your stomach turn, when stress changes your bowel habits or when a difficult day leaves you reaching for comfort food.
But could your gut actually influence your mood?
The answer is complicated.
Research suggests there is a relationship between the gut microbiome, the nervous system, immune function and brain health. But it is not as simple as saying that changing your gut bacteria will automatically change the way you feel.
Your gut and your brain are connected
The gut brain axis is the name given to the two way communication between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. Signals travel through nerves, hormones, immune pathways and substances produced by gut bacteria.
This communication happens all the time, whether we notice it or not. What about serotonin?
Serotonin is often called the happy hormone, although its role is much more complicated than that.
Most of the body's serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract rather than the brain. However, this does not mean that gut serotonin simply travels to the brain and makes us happier. Instead, serotonin has different roles in different parts of the body, including regulating gut movement. This is a good example of why gut brain science needs nuance.
Stress and digestion
The connection between stress and digestion is something many of us recognise. During stressful periods, you might experience:
● Changes in bowel habits
● Bloating
● Stomach discomfort
● Changes in appetite
● Nausea
This happens partly because the nervous system can influence the way your digestive system functions.
Supporting your gut as part of your wellbeing
Looking after your gut is not a treatment for anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions. But it can be one part of a healthy lifestyle. A varied, fibre rich diet, regular movement, adequate sleep and time to decompress can all support your wider wellbeing. Your gut is not your brain. But the two are much more closely connected than we once thought.