Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD 107. Dr. Will Cole: Gut Issues and Anxiety? Functional Medicine Is Finally Connecting the Dots
Oct 28, 2025
In this discussion, Dr. Will Cole, a pioneer in functional medicine and author of 'Gut Feelings,' explores the intricate connection between gut health and anxiety. He explains how the gut-brain axis influences our emotional well-being and why traditional treatments often miss the mark. Dr. Cole emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing for hidden issues like bacterial overgrowth and trauma, while advocating for practical healing tools such as journaling, EMDR, and breathwork to support nervous system health. Tune in for insights on balancing mental and gut wellness!
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Neuro-Immunoendocrine Axis Matters
- The gut, immune, endocrine, and nervous systems form a connected neuro-immunoendocrine axis driving symptoms like anxiety and inflammation.
- Treating only one system often leaves people “doing everything right” yet still symptomatic, per Will Cole.
Request Specific Gut Testing
- Ask clinicians for targeted tests beyond standard bloodwork, like SIBO, leaky gut markers, and microbiome assessments.
- Advocate for yourself when a clinician's typical toolbox misses gastrointestinal or stealth infection testing.
Gut Neurotransmitters Influence Mood
- 95% of serotonin and about 50% of dopamine are produced or stored in the gut, linking microbiome health to mood.
- The vagus nerve and gut immune tissue create a bidirectional gut-brain communication channel.
