Following various metabolic processes, “the vagus nerve connects the brain to the colon and other organs, allowing molecules from the gut to influence mood, while the brain can also send signals back to the gut. In this way, the gut-brain axis not only integrates intestinal functions with brain activity but also demonstrates how the balance of the gut microbiome can impact mental and emotional health, ”they explain.
How can your microbiota affect your mood?
According to the experts at Naturadika, these are the most common:
It impacts the messages between your brain and your body
90% of serotonin (the chemical that carries messages from your brain to the rest of your body and is key to emotional balance) is produced in your gut: “Although we tend to associate it with the brain, serotonin is produced mostly in the gut. If your microbiota is out of balance, you won’t just notice it in your digestion — you may also feel more irritable, less motivated, or more prone to emotional lows. The gut influences us more than we realise, including how we feel.”
Stress damages your gut, and your gut amplifies stress
“The body doesn’t distinguish between a traffic jam, an argument, or intestinal inflammation — it all translates into stress. Stress reduces bacterial diversity in the gut, and when that flora is damaged, cortisol levels spike more easily. It’s a silent cycle that can wear you down from the inside.”
Rest depends on your bacteria
“Poor sleep isn’t always a matter of the mind. The microbiota plays a role in melatonin production and in the regulation of sleep rhythms. When it’s out of balance, you’re more likely to be a light sleeper, wake up in the middle of the night, or wake up feeling like you haven’t fully rested.”
Fatigue can start in the gut
“If you’ve been feeling low on energy, foggy-headed, or having trouble concentrating for a while, your gut microbiota could be responsible. When the gut isn’t functioning properly, it absorbs key nutrients for the nervous system — such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. And without fuel, no engine can run properly.”