The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health

Research supports the bi-directional connection between the gut and the brain, where the health of the gut and gut microbiome can influence brain chemistry, and vice versa. Stress can manifest physically in the gut as 'butterflies', indicating the gut-brain connection. Changes in the gut microbiome can impact brain chemistry, with the inflammatory cytokine model suggesting that depression may be linked to gut inflammation rather than just neurotransmitter levels.