Gut Health and Emotional Well-being: How the Gut and Mind Are Connected
- hirokohomeopathy
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Gut Health, stress, hormone balance, skin health... it is said that all of these are interconnected, but why exactly why they related?
In this series, we will explore these connections. This time, we will focus on the link between gut health and stress.
Many people notice that stress affects their digestion.
During emotionally stressful periods, symptoms such as:
bloating
stomach discomfort
constipation
loose stools
nausea
loss of appetite
may become worse.
At the same time, ongoing digestive discomfort can also affect emotional wellbeing, energy levels and sleep.
This close relationship between the gut and emotional health is sometimes called the “gut-brain connection.”
#1 - Looking into our gut
It is known that the intesines not only digest food, but also that substances produced by the many intestinal flora living in them play a significant role in the functions of our bodies.
The balance of gut flora
It is said that our intestines maintain a balance of 70% beneficial bacteria and 30% harmful bacteria. When this balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria are said to grow stronger and place a strain on our intestines.
Leaky gut
In the intestines, beneficial bacteria form a protective layer on the surface of the intestines, shielding substances as they are absorbed. When these beneficial bacteria decrease and this protective layer can no longer been formed, toxins and unwanted substances are absorbed from the intestine through the cap in the layer. This condition is called lealy gut.
By maintaining the balance of gut flora, our bodies can keep various functions in a stable state, including not only nutrient metabolism and and energy regeneration, but also the regulation of the immune system, defence against pathogenic infections, production of vitamins and neurotransmitters, and bowel motility, allowing each function fully utilised and stabilised.
#2 - How stress may affect digestion
In recent years, the phrase "the gut is the second brain" has more widely known. drawing attention to the relationship between the gut and the brain.
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, connecting the gut and the brain, allowing the brain to influence gut activity, and vice versa.
When the body remains in a prolonged state of stress or tension, digestion may become more sensitive.
Some people notice:
increased bloating during busy periods
digestive discomfort before important events
worsening IBS symptoms during emotional stress
food sensitivities becoming more noticeable
Emotional wellbeing and physical health are often deeply connected.
Why the gut and the stress are connected?
As mentioned above, intestinal bacteria produce important substances, but here are some examples of those that are particularly related stress.
Serotonin
It is said that 90-95% of the serotoninn in our bodies is produced in the gut. It is a substance that soothe the mood and is also known to be involved in the production of melatonin, which is related sleep, and known for its known for mood-relaxing properties.
Dopamine
It influences emotions such as motivation, drive, pleasure and reward, and also affect muscles and bowel movement and rhythms.
GABA
GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms bran excitation and helps regulate the balance of the autonomic sympathetic nervous system. Some gut bacteria are said to signal and promote calming.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an important amino acid for maintaining gut and brain function. It seves as an energy source for cells, strengthen the gut barrier function, and prevents harmful substances entering the body due to leaky gut.
Acetylcholine
Acetylcholine helps the muscle of intestine move, making the digestive system function more smoothly.
Norepinephline
Norepinephline is a neurotransmitter that is activated in response to stress, reducing or slowing down intestinal motility, thereby facilitating stress coping.
Stress affect our gut, which in turn affects our mood.
Fight and Fright mode
This is a state where the body enters a warining mode in order to survive. During this period, stress hormone such as cortisol and adrenaline are secreted. While this is fine for short period to cope with high stress level, if this state continues, digestion and bodily repair will be put on the back burner, making it difficult for healing to occur.
Rest and Repair mode
This is a healning state where you feel at ease, inflammation subsides, and digestion and bodily repair become easier.
When people are chronically exposed to stress, they unconsciously enter a "fight and fright" mode , and their bodies try to cope with continuous mental pressure.
When stress from work deadlines, relationship problems, lack of sleep, worries and anxieties persists for a long periiod, our brains perceive danger and send signals to respond. Because this crisis response takes priority, functions such as digestions and recovery are put on hold.
When digestive and recovery functions are neglected, the balance of gut bacteria and the recovery of the intestinal lining are delayed.
As mentioned above, the intestines are not only responsible for digestion, but also for the production of important neurochemicals and hormones, which depend on the balance of gut bacteria. When stress and negative emotional burdens are placed on the body, gut function is disrupted, and the body's repair process is delayed.
#3 - A holistic perspective
People tend to focus on the physical symptoms they currently have, but sometimes, even if you think you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, those bothersome symptoms don't go away. For example, "No matter how much pay attention to my diet, the symptoms don't go away," or "I'm careful about choosing skincare products, but my skin condition doesn't improve."
In holistic approaches such as homeopathy, the whole person is considered.
This may include:
emotional stress
Are you overly sensitive to certain emotions, or are you suppressing true emotions? What situations caus you stress? Where do these patterns originate?
sleep patterns
Are you getting enough sleep at the optimal time?
digestive tendencies
We inquire about digestion, bowel movements, and any reactions to specific foods.
energy levels
How is your energy level? Do you notice any specific times when it increases or decreases?
lifestyle habits
We check your lifestyle, including diet and living environment, to check for any factors that may be contributing to the symptoms?
hormonal balance
Is your period regular? Do you experience pain, mood swings, or bloating during your period?
Rather than looking only at isolated symptoms, a holistic approach explores the overall balance of the individual.
During homeopathic consultations, we delve into what aspects are hindering the body's recovery, what emotions are deeply buried, and so on. This approach aims to address the root cause , preventing the recurrence of the same patterns, rather than simply providing temporaly relief.
The way people experience stress varies. Even in the same environment, some may feel significant stress, while others may no be bothered by it much.
Based on understanding of each individual's sensitivity to stress and their reaction patterns, we begin by considering the mind and body as interconnected and influencing each other, rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
Homeopathy, building upon this understanding, is a therapy that finds and resolves issues in a way that is tailored to the individual's condition.
#3 - Gentle ways to support gut and emotional wellbeing
Where can we start?
Some people find support through:
regular meals
Avoid processed foods and meals high in additives, keep your diet easy to digest, and avoid eating late at night
reducing overstimulation
Computers and mobile phones emit blue light, which can be irritating to the eyes. Furthermore, constantly stimulating the bodywith coffee or energy drinks while coping stress can disrupt the balance between rest and recovery. While there are many stimulants, it's important to listen to your body's signals and allow yourself to understand its natural rhythms.
mindful rest
Aim for high-quality deep sleep, and time your sleep to coincide with your body's repair cycle.
gentle movement
Moderate exercise promote lymphatic and blood circulation, improving muscle mass and physical fitness, and also leads to improved sleep due to moderate fatigue.
emotional support
By joining an environment or group where you can experss your true feelings, you can release suppressed emotions and stress, and find a place where you can be true to yourself.
homeopathy
As mentioned above, homeopathy provide holistic healing by understanding the whole person, not just the symptoms, but also their body, mind, emotions.
relaxation practices
Create a relaxing environment to escape from stress. Taking a walk in a park or on the beach, or simply conncting with nature, can help restore your body's natural rhythm. It is said that when people are stressed, their breathign become shallow. Deep breathing can help promote relaxation. Also meditation promote quiet mind.
Small daily habits can sometimes make a meaningful difference over time.
It is difficult to change everything at once, but by making small changes one by one, you can build upon those small changes and create opportunities for significant change later on.
Regarding lifestyle, we also offer a free ebook "Healthy Lifestyle."
You can download it from. the button below.
#3 - Final thoughts...
The gut and mind are closely connected.
When we support emotional wellbeing, digestion may also feel more settled. Likewise, improving digestive balance may positively affect emotional resilience.
Supporting health holistically means recognising the connection between mind and body.
A personalised homeopathic approach may help you understand what your body has been trying to tell you.
If you would like to work with me, please click the button below.
All the best for your healing journey!
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
Reference
Al Swadi. M., (2026) The Skin Gut Brain Reset Your Skin Is Not The Problem. Nourished3 Inc. Dunstable. United Kingdom
Campbell-McBride. n., (2010) Gut and Psuchology Syndrome. Revised and Expanded Edition. Medinform Publishing. United Kingdom
Pimentel.M and Rezaie.A., (2022) The Microbiome Connection Your guide To IBS, SIBO, And Low-Fermentation Eating. Agate Publishing. United States
