The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Your Mood Might Start in Your Stomach
Feeling anxious, foggy, or emotionally flat and also dealing with bloating, reflux or gut pain? You’re not imagining the link.
Science is catching up to something many people have felt for years:
When your digestion is off, your mood can be too.
The connection between your gut and brain is real, and understanding it is a key step in improving both mental and physical health.
Is Your Gut Messing with Your Mood?
Most people think of gut problems as purely physical — bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux. But digestion doesn’t exist in isolation. The gut is often referred to as your "second brain" for a reason.
If you’re experiencing:
Frequent bloating or discomfort
A history of antibiotics or food intolerances
Brain fog or memory issues
Mood swings or low mood without explanation
Anxiety or stress that feels like it lives in your stomach
You might be feeling the effects of an imbalanced gut-brain axis.
Many of my clients come in thinking their issues are "all in their head" or that they’re just stressed. But more often than not, their gut tells us the full story.
How Your Gut Talks to Your Brain
There’s a complex, two-way communication system between your gut and your brain called the gut-brain axis. This system connects your central nervous system to your enteric nervous system — the network of nerves that controls digestion.
Here’s what you need to know:
Neurotransmitters are Made in the Gut
Up to 90% of your body’s serotonin (your feel-good neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut, not the brain. If your gut is inflamed, sluggish or out of balance, serotonin levels may suffer.
Your Microbiome Impacts Your Mood
The trillions of bacteria in your gut don’t just help you digest food — they also influence mood regulation, immunity, and brain function. An imbalance (called dysbiosis) is linked to anxiety, depression and even memory problems.
Inflammation Travels
Chronic gut inflammation doesn’t just stay local. It can lead to low-grade, systemic inflammation that affects your brain chemistry and energy levels.
The Vagus Nerve Carries Emotional Signals
The vagus nerve is a communication superhighway running from your gut to your brain. When the gut is stressed, inflamed or imbalanced, it signals the brain — sometimes triggering anxiety, fatigue or low mood.
How We Support the Gut-Brain Connection Naturally
A lot of people I work with have tried everything for their gut or their mental health, but rarely both at the same time. That’s the difference in a root-cause approach.
As a naturopath, my goal is to identify what’s really behind your symptoms and bring both systems back into balance.
My approach often includes:
Personalised dietary changes to calm inflammation and repair the gut lining
Herbal medicine and nutrients to support mood, digestion and microbial balance
Nervous system support to help you shift out of fight-or-flight
Clear, practical guidance that fits your routine and energy levels
This isn’t about cutting everything out or taking a cupboard full of supplements. We start with what’s realistic, achievable and effective.
Signs You Might Need Gut-Brain Support
You don’t have to tick every box to benefit, but here are some signs your gut and nervous system might be linked:
You feel anxious or flat after meals
Your mood drops during PMS or after antibiotics
You’ve had long-term digestive issues with no clear cause
You feel “off” in a way you can’t quite explain
You’ve tried therapy, medication or gut support, but nothing fully works
You’re not broken… you’re just dealing with a system that’s been out of sync. And you’re allowed to want both clear thinking and a settled stomach.
Common Questions About Gut and Mood
Do I need testing first?
Not always. Often, your case history tells us enough to start making progress. When needed, we can explore functional testing later.
Can this approach work with medication or therapy?
Yes. Naturopathic care can complement your existing supports. There’s no judgment here — only teamwork.
Will I need to cut out gluten or dairy?
Not automatically. We work together to test changes carefully and respectfully, without unnecessary restrictions.
Do you treat children or teenagers with these concerns?
Yes, I see clients of all ages. Many parents find this approach helpful for kids with mood or gut issues, especially when they're sensitive to medication.
Visit the FAQ page for more answers
Gut Feelings Are Real - You Deserve to Listen to Them
If your gut has been trying to tell you something for years, and your mind is starting to feel the impact, now’s a good time to pause and listen.
You don’t have to choose between mental health and digestive comfort. You can have both — calmly, step by step.
Found this helpful?
Share with someone who feels anxious, bloated, or just not themselves. You might help them uncover something they hadn’t considered.
“The gut is not like Las Vegas — what happens in the gut does not stay in the gut.”
– Dr. Alessio Fasano, MD, Director of the Center for Celiac Research, Harvard Medical School
