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The Gut-Brain Connection What is the Link Between Mental and Gut Health

For centuries, people have noticed how emotions can twist the stomach (feeling u201cbutterfliesu201d) or how a stomachache can ruin your mood. Science now confirms this gut feeling is real: the gut and brain communicate closely through the gut-brain axis. In fact, one review explains the gut-brain axis is a u201cbidirectional communication networku201d that links your gutu2019s nervous system (enteric system) to the brain.<br>Visit - https://www.squattypottyaustralia.com/blog/post/the-gut-brain-connection-what-is-the-link-between-mental-and-gut-health<br><br>

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The Gut-Brain Connection What is the Link Between Mental and Gut Health

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  1. The Gut-Brain Connection: What is the Link Between Mental and Gut Health For centuries, people have noticed how emotions can twist the stomach (feeling “butterflies”) or how a stomachache can ruin your mood. Science now confirms this gut feeling is real: the gut and brain communicate closely through the gut-brain axis. In fact, one review explains the gut-brain axis is a “bidirectional communication network” that links your gut’s nervous system (enteric system) to the brain. In other words, the brain can send signals that affect digestion– and the gut can send signals that affect mood. Researchers even call the gut a “second brain,” since it has over 100 million nerve cells and makes many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain (for example, about 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the digestive tract). This intimate wiring means anxiety, stress, or excitement can literally churn your stomach, and gut problems can in turn stir up anxiety or sadness. Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis The “gut-brain axis” involves nerves (like the vagus nerve), hormones and even gut microbes communicating between gut and brain. Your digestive system has its own little brain – the enteric nervous system – that controls digestion but also talks to your skull brain. For example, the Johns Hopkins team notes your gut’s nervous system (“little brain”) controls digestion from swallowing to bowel movements, yet it signals back to your big brain “with profound results”. In effect, the gut is wired to influence mood and thinking. This is one reason people often use phrases like “gut- wrenching” or “butterflies in the stomach” – these aren’t just expressions. Hormonal signals and neurotransmitters flow constantly in both directions, so gut health and mental health are tightly linked. How Gut Health Impacts Mental Health A healthy gut helps keep your mind happy. Gut bacteria feed on the foods you eat and produce chemicals that affect your brain. For instance, many of your body’s neurotransmitters (messenger chemicals) are made in the gut – about 90% of serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) is produced there. A balanced microbiome of good bacteria can promote calmness, while imbalances (dysbiosis) may contribute to anxiety or depression. In fact, research has linked gut inflammation and dysbiosis to mental illnesses: one review finds that gut imbalances have been associated with anxiety and depression. Conversely, chronic digestive problems can strain your emotions. People who suffer from ongoing gut issues (like IBS or constipation) often report higher rates of anxiety and low mood. Flares of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or other gut disorders may trigger anxiety or depression. https://www.squattypottyaustralia.com/

  2. How Mental Health Impacts Gut Health Your mood strongly influences digestion. When you’re stressed or anxious, the brain’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in and diverts blood away from the gut. This can slow digestion or cause spasms, leading to pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Harvard Medicine notes that stress “influence[s] the actual physiology of the gut” – in other words, stress or depression can change how your intestines contract and move. It’s why many of us feel a racing heart or upset stomach in tense moments. Over time, chronic stress can create a vicious cycle: tense thoughts worsen gut symptoms, which in turn raise anxiety. The good news is that positive mental habits help the gut just as much. Relaxation techniques and mind-body therapies have been shown to improve gut symptoms in conditions like IBS. Simply put, calming your mind (through meditation, exercise, or therapy) can ease your digestion. Likewise, taking care of your gut can lessen stress signals to the brain. This two-way dialogue means healthy habits that soothe stress will also benefit your gut’s balance and comfort. Tips to Nurture Your Gut-Brain Connection Eat for your microbiome:- Aim for a diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These foods feed beneficial gut bacteria and help prevent inflammation. Harvard health experts recommend “whole foods” and warn that ultra- processed products (like fast food or sugary snacks) can harm your gut environment. Include fermented or probiotic foods (yogurt, kimchi, kefir) and prebiotic fibers (beans, onions, artichokes) to support the microbes that boost your mood. Manage stress:- Practice relaxation or gentle exercise daily. Activities like yoga, walking, deep breathing, or meditation can calm your nervous system. Research suggests that reducing stress (even treating anxiety or depression) often eases gut symptoms. In other words, happier minds help create happier guts. Move your body:- Regular physical activity (even light cardio or stretching) speeds up digestion and lowers stress hormones. Exercise is a well-known mood-booster, and it also encourages regular bowel habits. Even a short walk after meals can help regulate your gut and brain chemistry together. Improve bathroom posture:- Placing your feet on a small stool (knees above hips) helps your body pass stool more naturally. Studies show that squatting with a stool (like a Squatty Potty) straightens the rectum and cuts down straining – 90% of users in one study reported less straining and faster bowel movements. For a fun, family-friendly option, try our poop stool unicorn footstool to get that optimal angle and make bathroom time easier. Practice gentle hygiene:- After you go, use soothing cleansing products. A gentle foam for toilet paper can help clean without irritating the skin. This simple step adds comfort and hygiene to your routine, reducing distractions (like itch or soreness) that can stress your gut. Also Read:- What is Fecal Incontinence? How to Regain Control & Improve Bowel Health Final Thoughts Ready to feel better? Explore our blog for more gut-health tips and check out our products designed to support digestion and comfort. For example, our gentle cleansing foam for toilet paper and our ergonomic poop stool unicorn can make daily bathroom routines healthier and more enjoyable. What changes will you try first to boost your gut-brain balance? Let us know in the comments below! Disclaimer The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health- related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made, either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product. FAQs Q:- What is the gut-brain axis? Ans. It’s the bidirectional communication system between your digestive tract and brain. Nerves (like the vagus nerve), hormones, and gut microbes send signals back and forth so that gut health and brain chemistry influence each other. Q:- How can gut imbalance affect my mood? Ans. Healthy gut bacteria help produce mood-related chemicals (neurotransmitters) like serotonin. When gut flora are out of balance, less of these feel-good signals may reach the brain. Studies have linked gut dysbiosis and inflammation to higher rates of anxiety and depression. https://www.squattypottyaustralia.com/

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