Listen to Your Gut

You probably know what it means to have a “gut feeling,” but you may not be familiar with the science behind it. Your digestive tract is lined with hundreds of millions of neurons nerve cells that communicate with the rest of the body which is why the gut is often called our “second brain.”

When we make decisions based on intuition, the brain and gut work together, exchanging signals to quickly draw on memories, past experiences, personal needs, and preferences to guide us toward the best choice in the moment. Ever had a sense that something just isn’t right? That’s your gut speaking whether you realize it or not.

How Digestion Influences Mental Well-Being

Did you know that what we eat can directly support our mental well-being? The key lies in choosing the right foods. A diet high in fiber, whole ingredients, and fermented products nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and strengthens digestive health. When our gut is thriving, it communicates with the brain through a pathway called the vagus nerve, signaling that everything is running smoothly below.

And here’s a surprising fact: while serotonin is famously known as the “happy hormone,” research reveals that about 95% of it is actually produced in the gut—not the brain.

Healthy Inside, Strong Outside

Remember, we’re never completely at the mercy of our bodies small, intentional choices can create powerful changes. Here are a few ways to nurture both your mind and your gut:

• Eat with balance. Limit red meat, cigarettes, and ultra-processed foods. Moderation matters, and swapping in healthier alternatives can make a big difference.

• Move every day. Consistent activity—whether it’s exercise, a brisk walk, or a stretch session—strengthens the gut-brain connection, boosts overall body confidence, and supports quality sleep, which in turn benefits mental health.

• Soothe your stress. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or unhurried walks in nature help quiet the mind and relax the gut. A peaceful mind and a balanced gut truly go hand in hand.

  
  

Game On with Lactobacillus Shirota

Lactobacillus Shirota Strain is a probiotic a friendly “good bacteria” found in fermented dairy products that helps keep your digestive system in balance. But probiotics don’t work alone. They thrive with the help of prebiotics, which are dietary fibers that feed and strengthen these beneficial bacteria.

When probiotics and prebiotics team up, they help build a healthy gut microbiome—one that supports not just digestion, but also a positive mental state. You can get your daily dose of prebiotics from foods like onions, garlic, and bananas.

It’s a powerful reminder of how closely our brain and gut are linked. So the next time someone says, “Be mindful of what you eat,” you can take that advice quite literally!

Sources:

1. Cryan, J. F., & Dinan, T. G. (2012). Mind-altering microorganisms: the impact of the gut microbiota on brain and behaviour. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(10), 701–712. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3346

2. News-Medical. (2022, November 2). Gut microbiota influences social behavior by stimulating microglial remodeling of brain circuits. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20221101/Gut-microbiota-influences-social-behavior-by-stimulating-microglial-remodeling-of-brain-circuits.aspx