By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    improving patient experience
    6 Ways to Improve Patient Satisfaction Within Hospitals
    December 1, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    What Are The Health Benefits Of Having A Degree?
    March 9, 2022
    custom software development is changing healthcare
    Digital Customer Journey Mapping and its Importance for Healthcare
    July 21, 2022
    Latest News
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
    Chewing Matters More Than You Think: Why Proper Chewing Supports Better Health
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    COPD Patients Can Improve Condition with Physical Activity
    July 15, 2011
    More on Caregiving Costs and Toll
    August 23, 2011
    Patient-Centered Approach to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (podcast)
    September 22, 2011
    Latest News
    Streamlining Healthcare Operations: How Our Consultants Drive Efficiency and Overall Improvement
    June 11, 2025
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: The Connection Between Your Gut & Mental Health
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Mental Health > The Connection Between Your Gut & Mental Health
Mental Health

The Connection Between Your Gut & Mental Health

Aeden Smith
Last updated: July 26, 2022 8:33 pm
Aeden Smith
Share
7 Min Read
relationship between gut and mental health
Shutterstock Photo License - metamorworks
SHARE

Mental health concerns are more significant than ever. One study showed that 20% of American adults suffer from at least one mental health issue. Some of the causes of mental illnesses might surprise you.

Contents
How are the gut and brain connected?The vagus nerveThe gut microbiome and neurotransmittersThe gut flora and the immune systemThe connection between your gut and mental healthHow diet can boost mental health

Have you ever experienced “butterflies” in your stomach or a “gut-wrenching” feeling in tense situations? These sensations indicate that your gut and brain are interconnected.

In fact, many studies have shown that your gut affects your brain health and vice versa.

This two-way communication system between your brain and gut is referred to as the gut-brain axis.

More Read

How to Recognize the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
How to Recognize the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Men
Easy Steps To Simplify Your Life And Improve Your Health
New Data Adds Fuel To The Debate On Health Benefits Of Remote Work
Self-Care is Critical for NICU Nurses, Here’s Why
NYT: Social Media May Offer Avenues of Mental Health Disease Recognition & Treatment

Keep reading to find out more about the gut-brain axis and what foods are good for its health.

So, let’s begin!

How are the gut and brain connected?

The gut-brain axis connects your brain and central nervous system (CNS) with the enteric nervous system (ENS) — often called the “second brain” — in your gut.

This connection is a complicated bi-directional communication network involving your immune system, nervous system (vagus nerve), and the chemical messengers (neurotransmitter) system. Your gut microbiota also plays a role in this network.

The vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is a long nerve that runs from your brain to your gut, physically connecting your digestive system to your CNS. It plays a huge role in carrying signals between the brain and gut.

Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota, which produces substances that can affect mood, is also involved in this. 

Studies on mice have shown that feeding them probiotics — live “good” gut bacteria — lowered the levels of stress hormones in their body. But after severing the vagus nerve, this no longer happened. 

Other studies also suggest that a similar relationship may exist between the vagus nerve, the gut, and stress in humans.

One study found that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease had diminished vagus nerve function and elevated markers of stress, compared to individuals without these disorders.

Fun fact: even though the vagus nerve supplies the gut, gut contractions and secretions are regulated by the enteric nervous system without any input from the vagus. When your stomach is upset and you experience hyperactive bowel sounds, it’s because the enteric nervous system (not the vagus nerve) is in overdrive. 

The gut microbiome and neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play a part in a variety of bodily functions. They are present in both your gut and brain and are another component of the gut-brain axis.

Your colonic bacteria can influence the production of some neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin. And all of these are vital for your emotional well-being. You especially want to be familiar with the serotonin neurotransmitters, since they have a huge impact on your mood.

In fact, our gut manufactures a huge chunk of our body’s total serotonin, and scientists believe that our gut flora helps regulate this. In the gut, serotonin plays a crucial part in processes involving digestion. 

However, the changes it makes in your belly may send signals to the CNS, influencing the production of neurotransmitters there. In the CNS, serotonin plays a role in regulating sleep and mood.

Your gut microbiome also produces GABA — a neurotransmitter involved in reducing anxiety, stress, and fear. Some experts suggest that increasing “good” gut bacteria with the help of probiotics can boost the production of beneficial neurotransmitters like GABA. 

The gut flora and the immune system

The immune system is your body’s natural defense system against diseases. It includes a network of cells, organs, and chemicals that work in conjunction to combat harmful viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

It’s also a huge part of the gut-brain connection. Just like your immune system can affect your gut health, your gut flora can directly influence your immune system.

In fact, a huge part of your immune system is actually located in your gut.

And although there is still a lot we don’t know about how gut bacteria affects the brain and immune system, trials have shown that the gut microbiome can influence the level of proteins known as cytokines. 

These chemical substances are crucial for your inflammatory and immune response and can even influence brain function.

The connection between your gut and mental health

Even though both mental and gut health is complicated, there’s a growing amount of evidence suggesting that they can and do influence each other. Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are often associated with gut problems like IBS. 

Scientists have even identified certain colonic bacteria that may be linked with mental health conditions. A recent study found that individuals with depression had reduced amounts of two types of microbes, called Coprococcus and Dialister,in their colon. 

On the other hand, participants with greater numbers of these bacteria reported better scores when asked about their quality of life.

Researchers have also found positive results when exploring the use of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) as a treatment for mental health disorders.

FMT involves transplanting samples of feces containing bacteria from a donor’s gut flora into the patient’s gut.

Numerous trials have shown that FMT from normal donors improved symptoms in individuals with anxiety and depression.

How diet can boost mental health

There’s a lot of evidence that suggests eating healthier can boost your mental health.

One particular study found that individuals with depression experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after adjusting their diets based on a nutritionist’s recommendations.

Several other studies have also found that having better quality diets that include prebiotics — plant fibers that provide food for gut bacteria — can significantly improve your mood. 

Eating fermented foods containing probiotics can also have potential mental health benefits and has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety.

In contrast, diets containing mostly pro-inflammatory foods like processed and fast food have been linked to depression-like symptoms.

TAGGED:gut floramental healthmental illness
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Aeden Smith
Follow:
Aeden Smith-Ahearn is the treatment coordinator for Experience Ibogaine treatment centers in Mexico. After dealing with heroin addiction for over 7 years, Aeden put his last hope into Ibogaine treatment. Now, 5 years later, Aeden has helped thousands of addicts find freedom and sobriety through Ibogaine treatment. He feels overwhelmingly blessed every day to be helping addicts find happiness in life.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Streamlining Healthcare Operations: How Our Consultants Drive Efficiency and Overall Improvement
Global Healthcare Policy & Law
June 11, 2025
magnesium supplements
The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
Health
June 11, 2025
Preparing for the Next Pandemic: How Technology is Changing the Game
Technology
June 6, 2025
migraine home remedies and-devices
The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
Health Mental Health
June 5, 2025

You Might also Like

Health careMental Health

Try These Important Tips To Improve Your Quality Of Sleep

September 11, 2019
repetitive stress injuries mothers
Mental Health

8 Ways to Kick Off the Fall Season Stress-Free

October 18, 2021
tips for getting over the pandemic blues
Health

4 Proven Ways to Get Over the Pandemic Blues

February 22, 2022

How to Respond When Someone is Taking Self Deprecation Too Far

August 19, 2020
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?