Feeling Moody? Why Your Gut Might Be the Missing Piece

Have you ever felt stress as a fluttery, uneasy feeling in your belly? That’s not your imagination—it’s your body’s internal messaging system at work. And believe it or not, your gut might have more to do with your mood and overall wellness than you think.

There’s a reason scientists call the gut your “second brain”. It’s powered by something called the enteric nervous system, a complex network of over 100 million nerve cells lining your digestive tract, from your esophagus to your rectum. And it’s constantly talking to the brain in your head through a pathway known as the gut-brain axis.

Why This Matters for Your Health (and Your Happiness)

Here’s where it gets fascinating: 90% of the communication along the gut-brain axis flows from your gut to your brain, not the other way around!

This means what’s happening in your digestive system—what you eat, how stressed you are, how well your gut bacteria are functioning—can have a huge influence on how you feel both physically and emotionally.

And this connection is more than just a “gut feeling.” Researchers have found links between gut health and conditions like:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Autism spectrum disorders
• And even mood swings and irritability

One reason? Your gut helps produce key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—the very same “feel good” chemicals your brain relies on for balanced mood and emotional stability.

A Personal Gut Health Story

I became deeply passionate about gut health after helping my son through a tough experience. After being hospitalized for a serious bone infection, he had to take strong antibiotics to recover - but they completely disrupted his gut health.

Soon after, we started seeing changes in his behavior: chewing on the collar of his shirt, trouble settling down, and what I later recognized as signs of anxiety. As a seven-year-old, he didn’t have the words to explain what was happening. But his gut was sending out distress signals.

Thankfully, by gently rebuilding his gut with the right foods and lifestyle shifts, we helped restore balance—and I saw my happy boy return.

That experience was a turning point for me. It’s what led me to study integrative health and make gut health a priority in my family’s life.

It’s Not Just About Digestion

If you’ve ever experienced bloating, irregular digestion, or even conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), you know it’s not just a physical issue. IBS is now understood as a gut-brain disorder because of its close ties to anxiety, depression, and microbiome imbalances. And with over 45 million people in the U.S. alone suffering from IBS, you’re definitely not alone.

How to Support a Healthy, Happy Gut

The good news is that there’s a lot you can do—starting today—to improve your gut health, support your second brain, and give your mood a natural boost.

Here are a few gut-friendly habits to try:

• Cut back on sugar and processed foods. They feed the “bad” bacteria in your gut.
• Add more fiber and fermented foods.Think leafy greens, berries, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir.
• Manage your stress.Meditation, journaling, yoga, or even 5 minutes of deep breathing helps.
• Move your body. Gentle daily movement keeps your digestion and mood flowing smoothly.
• Prioritize sleep. Your gut and your brain both need rest to reset and repair.

And if you’ve been dealing with ongoing gut issues, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Sometimes professional guidance can make all the difference.

You Are in Control

You’re not at the mercy of your moods—or your gut. You have more power than you think. By tuning in, feeding your body well, and supporting your internal systems, you can create the foundation for health and emotional resilience.