5 Surprising Ways Your Gut Impacts Your Mood—and how to feel more like yourself again.

Ever feel like your mood has a mind of its own? One day you’re riding high, the next you’re foggy, anxious, or just plain off—and you can’t quite explain why. You’re not alone, and there’s a good chance your gut is part of the story.

Yep. That belly of yours is doing way more than digesting kale and cookies. It’s actually in constant communication with your brain—and when things are imbalanced, it shows up in your emotions, clarity, and energy.

Let’s break it down…

1. Your Gut Makes Most of Your Serotonin

That “happy” chemical we associate with mood and motivation? Over 90% of it is produced in your gut, not your brain. If your gut lining is inflamed or your microbiome is out of whack, serotonin production can slow way down. Cue the mood dips, sadness, or flat-out blahs.

2. Gut Imbalance = Brain Fog

Ever walk into a room and totally forget why you’re there? Or stare at your to-do list with zero brainpower? A dysregulated gut can affect focus, memory, and mental clarity. It’s like your gut is trying to run the show while the brain’s on dial-up.

3. Certain Bacteria Influence Anxiety

Research shows that people with gut dysbiosis (aka imbalanced bacteria) often report higher levels of anxiety. But here’s the cool part: the right probiotic strains may help reduce it. Your microbes can actually help calm your nervous system.

4. Gut Health Affects Your Sleep

A healthy gut helps regulate melatonin, your body’s natural sleep hormone. Poor digestion and inflammation can throw off your sleep rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested.

5. Hormones + Gut = Mood Swing Central

Your gut helps process excess hormones like estrogen. If it’s sluggish, you may feel more irritable, weepy, or edgy—especially around your cycle or during perimenopause. A balanced gut = more stable moods.

So...What Can You Do About It?

Start by giving your gut some TLC:

- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods

- Ditch the crash diets and fuel with intention

- Add fermented foods (if tolerated)

- Rest and chew—don't rush your meals

- Learn your Ayurvedic dosha to personalize your approach

Want to Learn More?

In my book The Gut Health Revival, I dive deeper into this mind-gut connection and show you how to heal from the inside out—with ancient wisdom and modern science.

Grab the [Free Gut Reset Guide]

Explore The Gut Health Revival Book

Book a free Gut Clarity Call if you're ready to feel more like you again.

Dorianne Gigi Walkama

“Small Shifts, Big Changes”