The Powerful Gut/Brain Connection
Problem: Why You Feel Stress in Your Stomach
Have you ever felt butterflies before a big event? Or had an upset stomach when you were anxious or nervous? That’s the gut-brain connection at work.
Your gut and brain talk to each other through a pathway called the gut-brain axis. The gut has its own nervous system — the enteric nervous system — which some call the “second brain.” These two systems send messages through the vagus nerve all day long.
When Gut and Brain Signals Get Mixed Up
When you feel stressed, excited, or sad, your gut feels it too. This is because the gut makes about 90% of your serotonin, the chemical that helps control mood and digestion.
Good gut bacteria help make serotonin. When these bacteria are out of balance, it can lead to problems such as:
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
Serotonin affects how your gut works by controlling:
- The speed at which food moves through your system
- The amount of fluid and mucus your intestines make
- How sensitive your gut is to pain or fullness
If these signals are off, your gut might react too strongly — or not enough.
People with low serotonin often have constipation because their gut muscles move too slowly.
People with high serotonin may have diarrhoea because their gut moves too fast.
Stress makes things worse. When your brain feels under pressure, the body’s fight-or-flight system slows digestion and reduces stomach acid. This allows bacteria to grow where they shouldn’t, leading to more bloating, pain, or infection.
Solution: Heal the Gut and the Brain Together
To fix gut problems like IBS or SIBO, we must also care for the brain. A healthy mind supports a healthy gut.
Try these steps:
- Support your gut bacteria with a balanced diet, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Calm your mind with meditation, breathwork, or gentle exercise
- Eat foods that support serotonin such as eggs, nuts, and fermented foods
When your brain and gut work together, digestion improves, mood lifts, and your body feels more balanced.