by Michelle Armenta from Reclaimed Wellbeing
Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? It turns out, that phrase is more than just a metaphor—your gut and brain are deeply connected, influencing everything from your mood to your ability to handle stress. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or chronic stress, your gut health may be playing a bigger role than you realize.
The Gut-Brain Connection: What’s Going On?
Your gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, a two-way highway connected by the vagus nerve and involves neural, hormonal, and immune signalling mechanisms. This means that when your gut is out of balance, it can send distress signals to your brain—worsening anxiety, depression, and cognitive function.
At the same time, stress, poor sleep, and processed foods can disrupt your gut environment also known as the microbiome, leading to inflammation, digestive issues, and even hormonal imbalances that impact mental health.
How Your Gut Influences Your Mood & Mental Health
Neurotransmitters & Mental Health – Did you know that up to 95% of serotonin (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter) is produced in your gut? Your gut bacteria also influence dopamine, GABA, and melatonin—key players in regulating mood, immunity, sleep, and stress response.
Inflammation & Depression – A disrupted microbiome, can lead to dysbiosis (an imbalance of good gut bacteria), which increases breaks in the gut lining and permeability, ultimately leading to inflammation. This inflammation has been directly linked to depression, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Stress- Have you noticed how stress impacts your digestion? Chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut bacteria, creating a vicious cycle where stress worsens gut health, and an imbalanced gut microbiome, in turn, heightens stress, mood swings, and fatigue. This gut-brain communication isn’t just a theory—research shows that individuals with mental health disorders often have altered gut microbiota compared to those without. This growing evidence underscores the gut microbiota’s influence on mood, cognition, and overall emotional well-being.
Practical Ways to Support Your Gut & Mind
You don’t have to be stuck in this cycle—there are small, intentional steps you can take to nourish your gut and improve your mental well-being and vice versa. A mental health professional can help you navigate emotional and psychological challenges, while a holistic health coach who specializes in gut health offers personalized guidance to improve nutrition, digestion, and lifestyle habits that foster long-term wellness. The combined support offers a comprehensive, whole-person approach that empowers you to take control of your health from the inside out.
If you're ready to connect with a mental health professional, the counselors at Neema Counseling would be honored to meet with you for a free consultation. And when you feel ready to take the next step in exploring your personalized gut-brain health journey, Michelle Armenta at Reclaimed Wellbeing is here to support you with strategies that nourish your gut and enhance your overall well-being.