The Gut-Brain Connection: How Poor Gut Health Can Fuel Anxiety and Low Mood

We often think of anxiety as something happening purely in the mind — but have you ever felt those butterflies in your stomach, or a wave of nausea when you’re stressed? That’s your gut-brain connection at work.

The gut and the brain are in constant communication via the vagus nerve — like a two-way radio that sends messages back and forth. And one of the most important players in this connection is our microbiome — the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, yeasts and microbes living in the gut.

What many people don’t realise is that these microbes are responsible for producing a significant portion of our neurotransmitters — the brain chemicals that shape how we think, feel, sleep, and cope with life.

🧠 Around 90% of our serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is made in the gut.🌟 Dopamine, which plays a big role in motivation and pleasure, is also produced in part by gut bacteria. And GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system, is directly influenced by what we eat and what our microbes are up to.

If our gut is inflamed, leaky, or imbalanced, it becomes much harder for these neurotransmitters to be made and sent where they’re needed. This can leave us feeling anxious, low, wired-but-tired, or emotionally fragile.

It doesn’t stop there — the gut also plays a huge role in hormone balance. From oestrogen and progesterone to cortisol and thyroid hormones, the gut microbiome and gut lining are deeply involved in how these are made, detoxified, and recycled. When the gut is struggling, so is our hormonal system — and this too can contribute to anxiety, overwhelm and mood swings.

This is why GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) is so effective in supporting those with anxiety, low mood, and emotional imbalance. It focuses on healing and sealing the gut lining, restoring microbial balance, and deeply nourishing the nervous system.

And here’s where traditional wisdom comes in...

Our ancestors knew the power of food to calm, strengthen and nourish — and they weren’t afraid of fats. In fact, animal fats (like butter, tallow, lard, egg yolks and bone marrow) are key players in building healthy brains and stable moods.

These fats help:

• Feed the microbes that make GABA and other calming neurotransmitters

• Reduce inflammation in the brain and gut

• Provide fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K which are crucial for nervous system health

Sadly, these traditional fats have been replaced in many diets by ultra-processed seed oils, low-fat products, and quick fixes — and we’re seeing the consequences in rising levels of anxiety, especially in children and teens.

The good news is that this can be reversed. By returning to ancestral foods like meat stock, fermented vegetables, high-quality animal fats, and nutrient-dense meals, we begin to repair the gut — and in doing so, calm the mind.

If you’re someone who’s been told “it’s just anxiety” or “you need to manage your stress better” — but deep down, you feel something else is going on — you're probably right.

There’s often a physical root cause, and the gut is a powerful place to begin the healing journey.

By nourishing your body with the right foods and supporting your gut-brain connection, it’s absolutely possible to feel more calm, resilient, and like yourself again.

If this resonates with you, drop me an email — I’d love to hear more and explore how we can work together 💛