What Your Gut Has to Do With Your Mood (It’s Not All in Your Head)- July 1, 2025
If you've ever felt like your emotions were off, your motivation MIA, or your anxiety had a mind of its own, you might be looking in the wrong place for answers. Spoiler alert: it might not be your brain that’s the problem. It might be your gut.
I know, I know. It sounds like a stretch. But science backs this up, and your body feels it even if no one ever explained it to you. The connection between your gut and your mood is way more than a passing trend. It’s biology. And it’s screaming for your attention.
💩 Meet Your Second Brain: The Gut Brain Axis
There’s an entire nervous system living inside your gut. Yep, right there next to yesterday’s taco. It’s called the enteric nervous system, and it’s made up of over 100 million neurons.
It talks to your brain constantly. And not through love notes or polite texts, nope. It’s more like a 24/7 group chat between your brain, your gut bacteria, your immune system, and your hormones. And when your gut isn’t happy, it lets the whole crew know.
😩 The Mood-Gut Domino Effect
When your gut is out of balance, too much bad bacteria, too few nutrients, inflammation, leaky gut, you can expect a cascade of symptoms that look emotional but start physical.
Let’s connect some dots:
- Low serotonin? 90% of it is made in the gut.
- Feeling anxious or restless? Histamine and cortisol are gut involved too.
- Brain fog, low motivation, or even depression? Check your gut terrain before you chase another mindset hack.
🧪 The Gut Bacteria Behind the Blues
Your gut microbiome produces and regulates neurotransmitters like:
- Serotonin- the “happy hormone”
- Dopamine- your motivation and pleasure fuel
- GABA- your calming chemical
- Norepinephrine- fight-or-flight and alertness
If your gut is inflamed, dysbiotic, or leaking, those mood-supporting chemicals don’t stand a chance. It’s like trying to make a gourmet meal in a moldy kitchen! Good luck.
🧠 So Is It Depression or Just a Disrupted Microbiome?
Here’s the wild part: people have spent years on antidepressants without ever being told to look at their gut health.
Now, I’m not saying every emotional challenge is gut-based. Trauma, stress, and brain chemistry are very real. But if no one has ever told you that your bacteria influence your behavior, your serotonin lives in your colon, and your brain inflammation can start in your gut lining, then you’ve been handed an incomplete puzzle.
And let me tell you: healing feels a whole lot more doable when the missing pieces finally click.
🛠️ What You Can Do to Support the Gut/Mood Connection
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness and small steps that make a massive impact. Try starting with:
- Cut processed foods and refined sugar (they inflame the gut and brain)
- Add fermented foods slowly like sauerkraut, kefir, or coconut yogurt
- Remove inflammatory triggers like seed oils and artificial sweeteners
- Drink filtered water and stay hydrated
- Take walks outside (movement helps bowel motility and mood!)
- Focus on poop, sleep, and protein before chasing supplements
✝️ Bonus Thought: Even Scripture Hints at This
Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Translation? Our emotions and our physical state are deeply connected. That wasn't discovered in a lab. It’s been truth since the beginning.
💛 In Case You Skimmed
- Your gut is your second brain and it directly affects your mood.
- Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are largely made in the gut.
- Gut inflammation and imbalance can trigger anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
- You can support your mental health by restoring your gut terrain.
- Small steps like removing sugar, adding fermented foods, and focusing on drainage can help your brain as much as your belly.
If you missed the whole month of June, then get a recap for free in this eBook 3-Day Drainage & Energy Reset. It won't be free for long. This is a $27 value so get it now!
Ready for Blog #2: “Leaky Gut 101: How to Tell If Yours Is Leaking”? That's tomorrow so stay tuned!
Jamie Shahan MSN, CRNA, RN
Empowering Holistic Health
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⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content reflects the personal research, experiences, and opinions of Jamie Shahan and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medications.
Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use myself or would confidently recommend to someone I love
