Blog Post

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

March 24, 2026, 7:38 AM

There is no mystery that the gut, or technically known as the gastrointestinal tract, is linked to the brain. Our gut reacts quicker than our brain whenever we are faced with combative situations or PTSD memories. Before our brain can decipher events logically or even consciously, our body prepares itself for either action or retrieval in situations that we perceive as dangerous or uncomfortable. The body has a built-in alarm system that gets activated whenever we experience intense emotional reactions triggered by events or emotional recall.

Our body has a variety of hormone-producing glands that activate specific hormones, which are responsible for transmitting chemical messages to the brain.

Our body is equipped to create the proper hormones needed for our daily functions.
The gut-brain connection is known as the Second brain, a region where vital neurotransmitters are produced in the gastrointestinal tract.

To help you understand how the gut impacts the brain, let’s initially review some key concepts:

Neurotransmitter: The Neurotransmitters are known as chemical messengers that transmit information from one region of the body to another through the nervous system. The body produces several types of neurotransmitters. However, the function of neurotransmitters can be categorized under three main functions: excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory.

Excitatory – Whenever the body is shocked or frightened, the reaction is to send an SOS message to the brain, allowing excitatory neurotransmitters to signal the brain to get ready for activity. Excitatory neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, epinephrine, and glutamate. Excitatory neurotransmitters increase alertness, enhance reactions, and increase the tendency to fight or flee. High levels of excitatory neurotransmitters can lead to irritability, rage, or poor impulse control.
Inhibitory – Messages to the brain can be blocked or prevented from being transmitted. Inhibitory neurotransmitters tend to reduce the rate at which chemical signals are transmitted, which produces a more relaxed and less reactive state. Examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters are GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), glycine, and Serotonin. Inhibitory transmitters help the body recover and repair efficiently by slowing down the system, which is why inhibitory neurotransmitters affect sleep, digestion, blood clotting, wound healing, and bone health.
Modulatory – The modulatory neurotransmitters work like bridges that assist cells in connecting at the synapses. It allows chemicals within the body to migrate and connect throughout the body; without the modulatory neurotransmitters, other chemical messengers would not travel too far throughout the body’s network.

Serotonin: It is a hormone that is produced within the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for transmitting information through the central nervous system to the brain region to help activate bodily functions. Key areas influenced by Serotonin production consist of the digestive system, blood clotting, bone health maintenance, wound healing, sleep function, libido, and mood balance.

Vagus Nerve – The Vagus Nerve is a part of the parasympathetic nervous system that connects all organs. In addition, it facilitates the transfer of chemical information. The Vagus Nerve regulates blood pressure, digestion, the immune system, cardiac functions, sleep, breathing, bladder activity, and mood. In the area of moods, chronic inflammation can interfere with the distribution of vital neurotransmitters that impact moods, as well as other health conditions.

Gut and Brain Relationship

A healthy gut not only helps maintain your overall health but also helps balance your moods. The relationship between the brain and the gut is based on the production of key hormones that contribute to mood regulation and overall well-being. The gut does more than just digest food and absorb nutrients; it functions as an endocrine organ that produces several hormones that impact the entire body. It is essential to understand that imbalances in the production of vital hormones produced in the gut will impact overall function.

In terms of the brain, hormonal imbalances can affect mood management by altering the levels of excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitters being distributed. Serotonin, which is produced in the gut, is an example of a hormone that will impact moods. Here are examples of how serotonin imbalances impact our health:

Low levels of Serotonin

A deficiency in serotonin production can impact sleep, memory, and gastrointestinal problems, which can affect the absorption of key nutrients essential for proper function. In addition, low levels of serotonin have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

High Levels of Serotonin

An increase in the levels of serotonin in the system is known as Serotonin Syndrome, which occurs when taking medication that spikes serotonin levels. The symptoms of serotonin spikes include elevated heart rate, blood pressure, dilated pupils, impaired muscle control, headaches, diarrhea, and shivering. In addition, there is a tendency to become easily agitated, restless, confused, anxious, and irritable.

Summary

There is no one cure or answer for all. Yesterday's theories become today’s scientific facts. Things are constantly evolving. I still recall when eggs were once linked to high cholesterol levels, but today they are considered a perfect food. So, I caution everyone to read with a critical eye open and explore each topic that interests you as thoroughly as possible.

Each person needs to decide what works best for them and should seek the advice of a medical professional to assist, rather than relying on the opinions of others or a blog you read. I wrote this blog as an informational piece to help you understand the relationship between your gut and your brain. Keep in mind that our lifestyle, genetics, and dietary choices will always impact our physical and mental health. I recommend self-care, advocating for your personal needs, and staying informed and updated on all issues that affect your life.