Physical WEllness

gUT + mind

Holistic definition

The gut and brain are deeply connected through what’s known as the gut-brain axis — a two-way communication system linking your digestive system with your nervous system.

This means:

  • Your gut health impacts your mood, focus, and stress response

  • And your stress, trauma, and emotional patterns affect your digestion

You’ve probably felt this before — that “gut feeling” when something’s off, or the stomach ache that hits during high anxiety. It’s not in your head (well… actually, it is — and your gut!).

WHY IT MATTERS

When the gut microbiome is out of balance — due to inflammation, food sensitivities, stress, mold, poor sleep, or medications — it can disrupt brain chemistry and emotional regulation.

Poor gut health is now being linked to:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Brain fog

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Mood swings

  • Hormonal imbalance

  • Low resilience to stress

On the flip side: a nourished gut can help calm the mind.

Holistic Considerations

We ask:

“What’s triggering inflammation in my gut?”
“How is my nervous system contributing to my digestion — or vice versa?”

Gut healing isn’t just about what you eat — it’s also how you process emotion, regulate your stress response, and create safety in your environment.

Supportive Tools & Practices

To calm the gut → calm the mind:

  • Eat slowly and mindfully

  • Chew thoroughly — digestion starts in the mouth

  • Support stomach acid (bitters, lemon water, stress reduction)

  • Bone broth or gut-friendly foods (if tolerated)

  • Restore gut bacteria with probiotics or fermented foods (with caution)

To calm the mind → calm the gut:

  • Daily breathwork or vagus nerve stimulation

  • Gentle movement or walking after meals

  • Journaling to track food/mood correlations

  • Address trauma stored in the gut (see: somatic healing)

🔬 Mini Deep-Dives

🍽️ Gut Feelings: Why Digestion Slows with Stress

When you’re in fight-or-flight, digestion takes a back seat. That’s why stress can cause bloating, constipation, nausea, or urgent bowel movements.

→ Related: [Stress & the Nervous System], [Trauma & the Body]

🧬 Your Microbiome Is Unique

Your gut bacteria are shaped by your early childhood, diet, medications, and environment. There’s no one-size-fits-all — and healing isn’t linear.

→ Coming soon: “Personalizing Gut Health Support”

Explore More

Coming soon: Gut Health 101 download
Free Quiz: “What’s Your Gut Type?”
Blog: “How My Gut Health Changed My Mood”
Instagram Reel idea: Gut-friendly morning routine or meal prep
Product suggestions: teas, bitters, journaling prompts, calm aids