Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
How the gut microbiome affects your IBS
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Your gut microbiome directly affects your mental wellbeing and mood. An imbalanced gut can contribute to anxiety, mood swings, and low energy. Our microbiome test gives you personalised insights and actionable nutrition advice to improve your mood, reduce stress, and support overall mental wellness.
How does your gut affect your mood?
Did you know the bacteria in your gut can influence your emotions and overall mental health? Research shows a strong connection between the gut microbiome and mood, anxiety, stress, and even depression.
The Gut-Brain Connection Explained
Your gut and brain communicate constantly via the gut-brain axis, primarily through a direct channel known as the vagus nerve. Think of this as a two-way street, allowing signals to flow from gut to brain and back again. When your gut microbiome is balanced, this connection supports mental clarity and emotional stability. But when imbalanced (dysbiosis), it can contribute to feelings of anxiety, low mood, or stress.
How Gut Bacteria Impact Your Mood
Your gut bacteria produce important neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that affect mood and emotional health—including:
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Serotonin, often called the “happy hormone,” crucial for mood stability.
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Dopamine, which influences motivation and reward pathways.
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GABA, a calming neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety.
Inflammation, Immunity, and Mental Health
An unhealthy gut microbiome often leads to inflammation, weakening the gut lining and triggering immune responses. Chronic inflammation can negatively impact brain function, contributing to mental health challenges like anxiety or depressive symptoms. Managing gut inflammation is essential for maintaining emotional balance.
