Gut-Brain Axis – Food affecting mental health

General
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What is the Gut–Brain Axis?

The gut–brain axis is a two-way communication system between:

  • The brain :brain:

  • The gut (intestines) :microbe:

It works through:

  • The vagus nerve

  • Hormones

  • The gut microbiome (trillions of bacteria)

Your gut doesn’t just digest food—it actually influences mood, stress, and behavior.

How Does Food Affect Mental Health?

Certain foods can change your gut bacteria, which then impacts brain chemistry:

  • :green_salad: Healthy foods (fibre, probiotics) → improve serotonin production (happy hormone)

  • :hamburger: Processed foods → increase inflammation → linked to anxiety & depression

  • :hot_beverage: Excess caffeine/sugar → mood swings, stress

Around 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut!

Scientific Link:

Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters

Imbalance in gut = linked to conditions like:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Stress disorders

Question for the topic:

Your gut produces most of your serotonin… so are you feeding your mind or harming it?

MBH/PS

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Gut is definitely our second brain!

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Well written. This is why they say “ We are what we eat.”

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