The Gut-Brain Axis: How My Gut Affects My Emotions & Mood

Gut Microbiome

21 August 2025

A lady highlighting her gut

The connection between our gut and brain may be more significant than you first think. Have you ever experienced a "gut-wrenching" moment or felt "butterflies" in your stomach? These expressions may be down to the gut-brain axis, a complex network linking our gastrointestinal tract to our brain. In this article, we will explore what the gut-brain axis is, its components and how it influences our emotions and mood. We will also look at the signs that your gut health may be impacting your mental well-being so you can potentially spot this happening in time to make a change.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about the gut-brain axis and how it can affect your mood and your emotions:

  • The gut-brain axis is a crucial communication network linking our gastrointestinal tract to our brain.

  • The axis consists of several key components, including the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system (ENS), neurotransmitters produced in the gut, and the gut microbiota.

  • The gut can significantly affect emotions. Stress, anxiety, and depression can influence gut activity.

  • Research indicates that managing stress, anxiety, or depression can improve gastrointestinal symptoms more effectively than conventional medical treatments alone.

  • Signs that your gut health may be impacting your mood include digestive discomfort, mood disorders, emotional fluctuations and heightened sensitivity to pain.

What is the gut-brain axis?

The gut-brain axis is a communication network that connects the cognitive and emotional functions of the brain with the intestinal system. This system allows the brain to influence gut activities such as digestion, whilst also enabling the gut to impact brain function, including mood and emotions. The gut and brain are in constant communication, with each system affecting the other significantly [1].

What does the gut-brain axis consist of?

The gut-brain axis is made up of several key components. These are [2]:

  • The Vagus Nerve: One of the longest nerves in the body, the vagus nerve provides a direct physical link between the gut and the brain.

  • The Enteric Nervous System (ENS): The ENS is a network of over 100 million nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract including the oesophagus, stomach and intestines.

  • Neurotransmitters: These biochemicals enable neurons throughout the body to communicate. Many neurotransmitters are produced in the gut.

  • The Gut Microbiota: Trillions of bacteria and microbes live in the gut. These are collectively known as the gut microbiota. These microbes produce chemicals and compounds that interact with the brain.

Can your gut affect your emotions?

Yes, your gut can affect your emotions. This connection explains why you may feel nauseous before doing something nerve-wracking, or experience pain during times of stress. This does not mean however that gastrointestinal conditions are merely psychological. Psychosocial factors, such as stress or depression can influence the gut. People with gastrointestinal conditions actually often feel pain more acutely because their brains are more responsive to pain signals from the gut. Stress can make this pain feel even worse.

Research supports the idea that managing stress, anxiety, or depression can improve symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Psychologically-based treatments often help more in digestive symptoms compared to conventional medical treatments alone [3].

What are the signs of gut health impacting your mood?

There are several signs that your gut health may be impacting your mood. According to the charity Guts UK, signs to look out for include:

  • Digestive Discomfort: Experiencing a "butterflies-in-the-tummy" feeling or needing to visit the bathroom more frequently when nervous.

  • Mood Disorders: People with conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other gut disorders often have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.

  • Emotional Fluctuations: Poor gut health can lead to significant changes in your emotional state, potentially causing increased stress, irritability, or low mood.

  • Heightened Sensitivity: Individuals with gut disorders may perceive pain more intensely due to the brain’s heightened responsiveness to pain signals from the gut.

Final Thoughts

The gut-brain axis is a powerful communication network that plays a crucial role in linking our gut health with our emotional and mental well-being. The various components of this system, including the vagus nerve, enteric nervous system, neurotransmitters and gut microbiota, work together to influence our mood, emotions and overall mental state. The research suggests that managing stress, anxiety and depression can not only improve mental health but also lead to better gastrointestinal health. By recognising signs such as digestive discomfort, mood disorders and heightened sensitivity, we can become more aware of how our gut health may be impacting our emotions.

Vivere helps you take control of your health with personalised insights from state-of-the-art gut microbiome testing, nutritional guidance, science-backed supplements and expert support. Sign up today and start living better, for longer.

Sources

[1] Gut-Brain Axis | Psychology Today United Kingdom

[2] What is the gut-brain connection? - Axa Health

[3] The gut-brain connection - Harvard Health

Author
Yusra Serdaroglu Aydin - Head of Nutrition & Registered Dietitian at Vivere

Yusra Serdaroglu Aydin, MSc RD

Head of Nutrition and Registered Dietitian

Yusra is a registered dietitian with a multidisciplinary background in nutrition, food engineering, and culinary arts.

During her education, her curiosity about all aspects of food led her to earn an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and an MSc in Food Engineering. She explored the kitchen side to create recipes that are both healthy and delicious, while gaining a deep understanding of the technologies, regulations, and strategies behind the food we eat in the modern world.

She has over five years of experience helping people modulate their gut microbiome, improve gastrointestinal health, optimize blood parameters, manage food intolerances, and achieve sustainable weight management. She has worked with thousands of patients, helping them transform their long-term eating habits, and is deeply passionate about improving nutrition knowledge and habits in those she supports.

At Vivere, Yusra leads the development and continuous improvement of nutrition-focused products and services. Her work involves aligning scientific research with product strategy, enhancing user experience, and supporting cross-functional collaboration. With experience in business development and training, she brings a practical, science-based approach to creating effective, health-oriented solutions.

Outside of work, Yusra loves to cook for loved ones, enjoy good food, travel to explore new cuisines, and seek out local dishes to bring fresh flavors to the table.

Education:
Health Science University -  BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, 2020
Anadolu University -  Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, 2019
Istanbul Technical University - MSc Food Engineering, 2024

View Profile

JOIN VIVERE TODAY

Revolutionising the way you approach your health.

Join Vivere