The Gut-Brain Connection - Group Talk - Week Commencing 12th May 2025.
- friendsonajourney2
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
What is the gut-brain connection? And how does the microbiome affect the brain?
We have all used phrases like I have a gut feeling about this,' 'I have butterflies in my stomach,' 'there's a pit in my stomach.' These phrases come from the gut-brain connection.
The fact is it is not a coincidence that we get nervous stomachs; science is revealing the microbiome is our 'second brain.'
The gut-brain connection is a two-way communication system, which is a complex network of microbes, nerve cells, and chemicals. This system allows our body to produce stomach juices when thinking about food and also explains why we get stomach cramps when we are stressed.
The connection links the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, with the enteric nervous system (ENS) within our gut, also known as the second brain. The enteric nervous system has an important part in both our digestive health and our mental health.
Between the brain and the gut there is both physical and chemical connections.
Vagus nerve - a large nerve that extends from our brain to our colon.
Neurotransmitters - Chemical messenger that supports healthy digestion and mental health
Gut Microbiome - an environment of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live within our guts that are important for our health.
Due to research being in its early stages when it comes to the microbiome, there is, however, increasing evidence that the microbiome could help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression; studies also reveal diet can affect our mental health.
Studies suggest that the dialogue between the gut and the brain may effect our;
Hunger/Satiety
Food preferences/Cravings
Food sensitivities/intolerances
Gut muscle movements
Digestion
Metabolism
Mood
Behaviour
Stress levels
Pain sensitivity
Cognitive function
Immunity
Gut health and mental health are complex, but research is reporting increasing evidence that they can influence each other, and scientists have identified specific gut microbes that are possibly connected to mental health conditions.
Evidence reports improving our diet can support our mental health. Studies are suggesting higher-quality diets and plant fibres provide the food for our microbiome, which in turn boost our mood.
Plants 30 a week
Live yogurt
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Miso
Cheeses - aged - Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss...
A good diet for our gut-brain connection is to eat a good, healthy variety of whole foods, highlighting plants. Remember the more diverse your diet, the more diverse your gut microbiome, which is great for our overall gut health.
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