Your gut and your brain are in constant communication

Discover what the gut-brain axis is, how it affects your energy levels and mood, and why looking after this connection is key to your day-to-day wellbeing.

Have you ever felt ‘butterflies in your stomach’ when you’re with someone you care about, or had a queasy feeling in your stomach before making an important decision? Or perhaps you’ve noticed that after a heavy meal, you find it harder to concentrate? It’s no coincidence. Your gut and your brain are connected in ways that science is describing in ever greater detail, and what happens in one directly influences the other. This connection is known as the gut-brain axis and functions as a two-way communication network involving the nervous system, the endocrine system, the immune system and the gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota – that is, the collection of microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tract – is not merely a bystander. These microorganisms produce active substances, such as short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters, which can influence the regulation of stress, mood and a sense of well-being. In fact, around 90 per cent of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, which illustrates the importance of this organ for emotional health.

When this communication functions harmoniously, it is more common to experience greater mental clarity, better stress regulation, more energy throughout the day and more comfortable digestion. Factors such as chronic stress, insufficient sleep and a diet heavily reliant on ultra-processed foods can cause this communication to become disrupted, which is often reflected in increased digestive discomfort and heightened emotional reactivity. Nurturing this axis through diet and daily habits is a key strategy for supporting holistic wellbeing.