Feeling Anxious, Bloated, or Tired All the Time? These 7 Gut Facts Will Blow Your Mind

If you’ve ever felt anxious for “no reason,” foggy even after sleeping well, or bloated even when you’re eating clean… this post is for you.

Because the truth is, it might not be just hormones. Or just stress. Or just aging.

It might be your gut.

Your gut and brain are in constant communication. In fact, researchers now call the gut the “second brain” – and for good reason. The state of your gut affects how you think, feel, sleep, digest, and even how motivated you feel each day.

Let’s break it down.

1. Your gut has its own nervous system … aka your “second brain”

I remember learning this and thinking… how did I not know this sooner?

Your gut is home to something called the enteric nervous system, a complex network of 100 million neurons embedded in the walls of your digestive tract. That’s more neurons than your spinal cord. It communicates with your actual brain through chemical messengers, meaning your gut doesn’t just digest food – it helps regulate your mood, emotions, and even how you handle stress.

Ever felt butterflies before a big event? Or lost your appetite during stress? That’s your second brain in action.

What this means for you: If your gut is inflamed, undernourished, or overwhelmed, it can send “distress signals” to your brain – which may show up as mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, or brain fog.

Try this:

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (20-30 chews per bite) to give the ENS time to communicate and help digestion.
Limit ultra-processed foods – they confuse your gut’s signaling and damage the gut lining.
Incorporate ginger, turmeric, or peppermint tea, which soothe the ENS and help with gut motility.

📚 Source: Scientific American, Harvard Health

2. 90% of serotonin, your “happy chemical”, is made in your gut

Yep. That “feel good” chemical most people associate with the brain? It’s made in your digestive system.

Serotonin influences your mood, sleep, and even your pain tolerance. So if your gut is inflamed, sluggish, or out of balance… guess what else takes a hit? Your ability to feel calm, energized, and emotionally stable.

What this means for you: If you feel “low” or irritable often, don’t just look at your mental state – look at your digestion.

Try this:

Eat more tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, eggs, salmon, oats, and bananas.
Pair these with complex carbs (like sweet potatoes or quinoa) to help transport serotonin into the brain.
Track gut symptoms alongside your mood for a few weeks to see the connection clearly.

📚 Source: Cleveland Clinic, PMC5641835

3. Gut bacteria can influence anxiety and depression

There are certain strains of gut bacteria that literally change the way you think and feel. Some are linked to anxiety and depression, while others are associated with calm, balanced mental states.

For example:

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are associated with reduced anxiety and depression
Low microbial diversity = higher risk of mood disorders

I’ve had clients come to me thinking they needed antidepressants, only to find that supporting their gut brought their mood back into balance naturally.

What this means for you: Your mood isn’t just psychological – it’s microbial.

Try this:

Start with fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, or unsweetened yogurt – even just 2 tablespoons a day.
Rotate your produce. Aim for 30+ different plant foods per week to improve microbial diversity.
Consider a spore-based or soil-based probiotic if your gut needs extra support.

📚 Source: PMC8243873, Harvard Health

4. Stress disrupts your gut microbiome …!

Like within hours.

When you’re in a constant state of go-go-go, your body releases cortisol (your stress hormone), which disrupts your gut lining, decreases beneficial bacteria, and can even trigger symptoms like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

I used to wear stress like a badge of honor. Hustle mode, push through, do more. But underneath it? My gut was a mess. Skin breakouts, brain fog, random food sensitivities, panic attacks… all signs my body was begging for rest and nervous system support.

What this means for you: You can’t just “eat your way” out of gut issues. You have to support your nervous system, too.

Try this:

Nervous system resets like legs-up-the-wall or 4-7-8 breathing.
Add in adaptogens like ashwagandha, holy basil, or rhodiola under guidance.
Limit caffeine if your cortisol is already high – try matcha or rooibos instead.

📚 Source: PMC5641835, Health Harvard

**5. Meditation can literally improve your gut bacteria**

Wild, right?

Research shows that practices like deep breathing, prayer, and meditation reduce gut inflammation and help rebalance your microbiome. These practices lower cortisol and improve vagal tone (aka how well your vagus nerve functions – more on that next).

Even just 5 minutes of slow, intentional breathing a day can help reduce bloating, cramping, and gut pain.

What this means for you: Mindful moments aren’t just “nice to have” – they’re essential for gut healing.

Try this:

Start with just 3 minutes of box breathing daily (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4).
Stack it with habits: deep breathing while your coffee brews or while nursing your baby.
Journal 3 things you’re grateful for each morning — studies show this calms your nervous system and supports digestion.

📚 Source: News-Medical.net, PubMed studies

6. Your vagus nerve connects your gut and brain … and you can stimulate it

The vagus nerve is like the communication highway between your gut and brain. When it’s toned and working well, digestion flows, mood stabilizes, and you feel grounded.

But when it’s underactive (thanks, stress), it can slow digestion, mess with your hormones, and leave you feeling foggy or disconnected.

The best part? You can stimulate your vagus nerve naturally through:

Deep belly breathing
Humming or singing
Cold exposure (even a splash of cold water on your face)
Laughing, smiling, or even prayer

This is why nervous system regulation is just as important as nutrition in any gut healing plan.

What this means for you: If your digestion feels “off,” your vagus nerve may need some love.

Try this:

Humming, gargling, or singing — yes, really! These stimulate the vagus nerve naturally.
Cold exposure (even cold showers or ending a warm shower with 30 seconds cold)
Yoga and spinal twists stimulate the vagus nerve through movement and breath.

📚 Source: Cleveland Clinic, Harvard Health

7. A balanced gut = better focus, clarity, and energy

Your gut produces key neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA, which play a huge role in motivation, clarity, and emotional resilience.

Ever felt mentally foggy after a processed meal? Or sharp and focused after a nutrient-dense breakfast? That’s your gut-brain connection doing its thing.

When I cleaned up my diet, prioritized protein and fiber, and reduced inflammation – it didn’t just change my body. It gave me my brain back. Clearer thinking. More creativity. More confidence in how I showed up for my family and my business.

What this means for you: If your brain feels fuzzy, it may be time to look at your digestion.

Try this:

Cut the blood sugar spikes: Anchor every meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fat.
Start your day with a high-protein breakfast (30g+).
Add omega-3s (wild-caught salmon, flaxseed, walnuts) to support both gut and brain.

📚 Source: PMC5641835, Cleveland Clinic

Here’s the good news: You don’t need a 30-day juice cleanse or a supplement cabinet overflowing with powders.

Small, intentional shifts can change everything.

Slow down your meals
Breathe deeply
Eat fermented foods
Prioritize sleep and stress relief
Support your microbiome with real, whole foods

🌿 **Want Help Applying This to Your Life (Without the Overwhelm)?**

If you’ve read this and thought “I know some of this… but I still can’t seem to make it stick,” you’re not alone.

Healing your gut isn’t just about knowing what to do – it’s about having a plan that actually works for you, your schedule, your body, and your season of life.

That’s exactly what we help our clients with inside our 1:1 coaching.

We help women:

Create simple, doable routines that support gut health without restriction
Learn how to eat in a way that supports their hormones, digestion, and mood
Get consistent with daily habits that reduce inflammation and bloat
Stay accountable – even on the hard days

Because it’s one thing to read about gut health. It’s another to actually live it – with someone in your corner.

If you’re ready to stop guessing, feel better in your body, and finally get consistent with habits that actually move the needle, book a free strategy call below.

We’ll talk about your goals, your symptoms, and what’s keeping you stuck – and we’ll create a clear plan to help you move forward.

>>CLICK HERE<<

Let’s get you feeling like you again.

REFERENCES:
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8243873
http://www.news-medical.net/health/Exploring-the-Connection-Between-Gut-Health-and-Meditation.aspx
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5641835