Hi Friends,
Dr. Storage here.
One of the most fascinating things I get to talk about with patients is how their gut health is connected to their brain.
If you’ve ever felt “butterflies in your stomach” when you were nervous, you’ve experienced this connection firsthand.
But it goes much deeper than that!
I see patients every week who come in for digestive issues but end up telling me about their anxiety, depression, or brain fog.
And often, once we start healing the gut, their mood begins to improve also.
That’s not coincidence… it’s a manifestation of your gut-brain connection.
Let me walk you through why it matters and what you can do about it.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
Nearly 90% of your serotonin (a neurotransmitter) is made in your gut, not your brain.
Rates of anxiety and depression are rising, and poor gut health may be one reason why.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and chronic gut inflammation don’t just affect digestion—they’re tied to mood disorders too.
Taking care of your gut may help you feel calmer, think clearer, and even sleep better.
Today’s Opponent:
A Disrupted Gut-Brain Axis
Your gut and brain are constantly talking through the vagus nerve and chemical messengers.
When your gut microbiome (and more broadly gut health) is balanced, it produces neurotransmitters that keep your mood steady.
But when inflammation causes injury to your digestive system, those signals can become scrambled. This can lead to anxiety, brain fog, irritability, or depression.
Here’s what the research (and my patients’ real experiences) have taught me:
Inflammation fuels low mood
Chronic gut inflammation releases cytokines, which can travel to the brain and contribute to depression and fatigue. A 2023 meta-analysis showed IBS patients had a 3x higher risk of anxiety and depression.
Microbiome diversity matters
Certain probiotic strains, like Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, have been shown to reduce anxiety-like symptoms and lower stress hormones in both animals and early human trials.
Stress worsens gut health
Stress hormones can disrupt gut motility, increase pain sensitivity, and alter your microbiome. This fuels a vicious cycle between gut and brain.
The takeaway for you: healing your gut can be one of the most underrated ways to support your mental health.
What To Tell Your Doctor
“I’ve been struggling with mood issues, and I’ve noticed they flare when my gut symptoms get worse (and vice-versa).
Should we check for conditions like IBS, Celiac disease, or intestinal dysbiosis? And are there safe probiotics or dietary changes that could help my mental health?”
What’s On Your Mind?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
