The Gut-Brain Axis: How Your Gut Can Affect Your Emotions & Mood

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’ll also look at the signs that your gut health may be affecting your mental well-being, making it easier to spot potential concerns early and take steps to address them.

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.

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].

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: Chemical messengers that allow neurons to communicate with each other. A significant proportion of these, including serotonin and dopamine, 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.

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. In many cases, psychologically-based treatments can often help provide greater relief in digestive symptoms compared to conventional medical treatments alone [3].

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.

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.

While science is still uncovering the full complexity of the gut-brain axis, one thing is clear: your gut plays a bigger role in your mental well-being than previously thought. Supporting a balanced gut microbiome and reducing stress are not just about improving digestion; they may also help protect mood stability and emotional resilience.

Practical steps such as adopting a nutrient-rich, diverse diet, managing stress levels, and considering evidence-based supplements can create the right environment for both gut and brain health to thrive. With research continuing to grow in this area, personalised approaches such as gut microbiome testing and tailored nutrition plans are becoming valuable tools for anyone who wants to optimise both physical and mental health.

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.

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

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

[3] The gut-brain connection - Harvard Health