Microbiome & mental health: 10 ways your gut affects your brain

By Rajeshwaari Kalla | September 15, 2025 | Image: Canva

The gut talk

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Your gut and brain are in connected via nerves, hormones, and immune signals — it’s called the gut-brain axis

Stress starts in the stomach

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Stress changes your gut bacteria, and in turn, your altered gut can send anxiety signals right back to your brain

Dysbiosis fuels depression

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When your gut bacteria are out of balance (dysbiosis), it can increase inflammation and worsen depression  or mood instability

Leaky gut, emotions

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A damaged gut lining lets bacteria and toxins into your bloodstream, which can trigger brain inflammation and anxiety

Inflammation and brain

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Pro-inflammatory cytokines from  the gut increase blood-brain barrier permeability, leading to depression, brain fog, and memory issues

Probiotics may help

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Certain probiotics restore microbial balance and may help ease symptoms  of depression and anxiety, especially alongside medication

Diet and mood

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High-protein or high-carb diets influence your gut’s bacterial “enterotype”, which affects how your brain processes mood and stress

Microbiome is vital

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Every person has a personalised microbiome shaped by diet,  genetics, and health, but all  fall into 3 main enterotypes

Gut and brain

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It influences everything from your immune system to your stress  hormones. A healthy gut equals  a healthier, calmer mind

Healthy gut, mind

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Eating mindfully and adding probiotics along with cutting down stress can help. Your gut may just be the missing piece in your mental health journey

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