The Gut Feeling Guide: Why Your Tummy’s in Charge of Your Mood

Ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Maybe your stomach fluttered before a big meeting or turned to knots when your mate suggested a dodgy takeaway. Turns out, your gut might be a better decision-maker than you give it credit for. Welcome to the bizarre, brilliant world of the gut-brain connection - where your tummy isn’t just digesting your lunch, it’s also calling the shots on your mood.

Meet Your Second Brain

Let’s get technical for a sec. Your gut is lined with over 100 million neurons - that’s more than in your spinal cord. Scientists call this the enteric nervous system, but we prefer gut genius. It chats constantly with your actual brain via the vagus nerve (like a superfast WhatsApp thread), sending updates on how things are going in the belly department.

So when your stomach’s out of sorts, your brain might be too. Feeling anxious, grumpy or foggy? Your gut might be throwing a tantrum, and your mood is the innocent bystander.

The Microbiome Soap Opera

Inside your gut lives a bustling metropolis of microbes - trillions of bacteria with more drama than a reality TV reunion. These tiny tenants help digest your food, produce vitamins, and even churn out neurotransmitters like serotonin - aka the “happy hormone.”

In fact, up to 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. So while your brain might think it’s in charge, your gut’s quietly mixing up the mood cocktails. When your microbiome’s balanced, you feel energised, clear-headed and calm. But when it’s off-kilter? Let’s just say no one’s having a good day.

Feed Your Feelings

So what can you do to keep your gut grinning? Start by ditching the beige buffet of processed foods and introducing some colourful characters instead. Think fibre-rich fruit and veg, fermented favourites like yoghurt and sauerkraut, and the odd helping of whole grains. Basically, if it looks like it could star in a wholesome Instagram salad, your gut’s probably into it.

Pro tip: your gut loves routine. Skipping meals, stress-snacking or living off caffeine and hope might be the mood crash culprit you didn’t expect.

Stress: The Gut’s Worst Frenemy

Speaking of stress, your gut hates it. When you’re anxious, your body goes into “fight or flight,” and digestion hits the pause button. Cue bloating, cramps, and other fun tummy troubles. It’s a vicious cycle: stress messes with your gut, which messes with your mood, which causes more stress… you get the picture.

Meditation, movement, even a good giggle – all brilliant for calming both your brain and your belly.

Listen to Your Gut (Literally)

So next time you’re feeling off, take a moment to check in with your midsection. Is it gurgling with glee or throwing a full-blown food-fuelled fit? Either way, your gut might be trying to tell you something.

After all, in the great hierarchy of bodily wisdom, your stomach might just be the sassiest sage of them all.