THE TINY DIETICIANS AND NUTRITIONISTS IN YOUR STOMACH: HOW GUT MICROBES INFLUENCE YOUR MOOD, CRAVINGS AND HEALTH

 



The exam comes or your crush just sent asked you to meet up.

In other cases you get the "We need to talk" text or "See me in my office" call.

Of all places to feel this, is the fiddly feeling in your stomach. Either it is "butterflies" or "nauseous"

Elsewhere, there is that talk of "intuition". Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Turns out, your gut might actually know more than you think.

Inside your digestive system lives an entire microbial metropolis with trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms that make up your gut microbiome. While you’re going about your day, they’re busy doing everything from digesting your food to making vitamins. 

But here’s where it gets weird (and wonderful), they’re also sending signals to your brain.

Yep! Your gut and brain are constantly talking, and microbes are the middlemen.

🧠 Your Gut Has a Hotline to Your Brain

The connection between your gut and your brain is known as the gut-brain axis.

 The connection, is a complex mixture of the neural, endocrine and immune system.

The two-way communication system involves:

  • Nerves (especially the vagus nerve),
  • Hormones, and
  • Microbial messengers like short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters.

Some gut microbes actually produce chemicals that act like the ones in your brain. For example:

  • Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species can produce GABA, a calming neurotransmitter.
  • Others can make serotonin precursors, involved in mood regulation.

Fun fact? Around 90% of your body’s serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical) is made in the gut, not the brain. Below are links where you can read more about the gut-brain axis and health.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection

🍕 Why Microbes Might Influence What You Crave

Have you ever had a sudden craving for sugar, bread, or even fermented foods and wondered, “Why now?”

Some researchers believe your gut microbes might be nudging your cravings to favor their own survival. For example:

  • Certain yeast or bacteria love sugar and may “encourage” you to eat more of it.
  • Others thrive on fiber-rich foods and might make you crave veggies or whole grains.

While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, there’s evidence that microbial populations shift based on what you eat, and they may subtly shift your preferences to help themselves thrive.

You can read a little more about it on the link below.

https://gutdr.com/how-gut-bacteria-affects-food-cravings/

Biologically speaking, it’s a bit like your gut microbes casting votes every time you open the fridge.

😴 Mood, Anxiety & Microbes: What’s the Link?

Some fascinating studies (in both humans and animals) suggest:

  • People with depression or anxiety often have a different microbial profile than those without.
  • Certain probiotics, sometimes called “psychobiotics” have shown promise in improving mood or reducing stress.

Again, it’s not magic. It’s biology, which can look like:

  • Microbes modulate inflammation, which affects the brain.
  • They help regulate the blood-brain barrier, which acts like a filter for what gets into your brain.
  • Some even produce dopamine, another key chemical for motivation and reward.

This doesn't mean probiotics replace therapy or medication, but it does mean your gut flora could be a piece of the emotional puzzle.

Below is a link where you can read more about gut-brain axis and mental health.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

🧬 The Microbiome Is Like a Garde and You’re the Gardener

Think of your gut microbiome like a lush, complex garden. Some microbes are like hardy plants, which are beneficial and low-maintenance. Others are like weeds, which are potentially harmful if they take over.

What you eat and how you live influences what grows.

✅ Helpful for your microbiome:

  • Diverse, plant-rich diets
  • Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, kimchi)
  • Fiber from fruits, veggies, legumes

🚫 Harmful to your microbes:

  • Ultra-processed foods
  • Frequent antibiotics (when not medically necessary)
  • High stress, poor sleep

By feeding the “good guys,” you help your gut and brain stay in sync.

🧪 Final Thoughts from the Biolab desk: Tiny Organisms, Big Impact

We often think of bacteria as germs or something to avoid. But the truth is, your health, and even your thoughts, are shaped by microbial life you can’t see.

There’s still so much we don’t know, but one thing is clear, your gut microbiome isn’t just a passive passenger. It’s an active, evolving part of you, your second brain, with a mind of its own.

So next time you have a gut feeling…maybe trust it. Your microbes might just know what they’re doing. 😏😎😉

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