The Gut-Mood Connection: How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health

Gillian Scerri
Aug 21
2 min read

Updated: Oct 2

We often think our thoughts and feelings come entirely from the brain…But what if your gut is actually calling the shots?

90% of Your Serotonin Is Made in Your Gut

You read that right. Roughly 90–95% of your serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation, sleep, and even appetite, is made in your gut, not your brain.

This means that the health of your gut microbiome can directly influence how happy, calm, focused, or motivated you feel.

When Your Gut Is Out of Balance…

A disrupted gut (often called dysbiosis) can be caused by:

Chronic stress
Processed foods and excess sugar
Antibiotic use
Low intake of fibre
Poor sleep or erratic eating patterns

The result? Impaired serotonin production, leading to:

Mood swings or low mood
Increased cravings
Poor motivation
Sleep disturbances
Brain fog

Gut Health = Mental Health

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between your digestive system and your brain. So when you support your gut, you’re also supporting your mindset, resilience, and emotional well-being.

How to Support Your Gut (and Your Mood)

🥬 Eat more fibre – Found in vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. It feeds your beneficial gut bacteria.
🥣 Include fermented foods – Think sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, miso, and live yogurt. These introduce helpful probiotics.
🧘‍♀️ Manage stress – Chronic stress can inflame the gut and disrupt digestion. Try breathwork, meditation, or even mindful walks.
🚫 Reduce processed food and sugar – These feed the wrong bacteria and contribute to inflammation.
😴 Prioritise rest and routine – Your gut likes rhythm, so regular sleep and mealtimes can help.

You’re Not Just Feeding Your Body — You’re Fueling Your Mind

Supporting your gut isn't just about avoiding bloating or discomfort, it’s about laying the foundation for emotional stability, clearer thinking, better sleep, and more joy in your daily life.

Want Help Healing Your Gut and Supporting Your Mood?

Book a free discovery call today to see how we can customise a plan for your unique needs.

For more expert tips on holistic nutrition, weight loss, and wellness, feel free to browse the rest of my blog posts. You’ll find practical advice on gut health, emotional eating, energy-boosting foods, and more.

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