Gut Health and Mood

The Connection Between Gut Health and Mood

May 01, 20252 min read

When most people think about gut health, they think about digestion: bloating, stomach aches, or what they ate for lunch. But your gut is responsible for far more than processing food—it's deeply connected to your mood, emotions, and even your brain function.

In fact, your gut is often called your “second brain,” and for good reason.


Meet Your Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is the communication highway between your digestive system and your central nervous system. This means your gut and your brain are constantly sending messages back and forth—affecting everything from your stress response to your ability to focus, and even your emotional balance.

If your gut is inflamed, imbalanced, or not functioning well, that message gets sent straight to your brain—and it can show up as anxiety, fatigue, irritability, or even depression.


Did You Know Your Gut Produces Mood-Boosting Chemicals?

Here’s where it gets really interesting:
Your gut is responsible for producing over 90% of your serotonin, one of your brain’s key “feel good” chemicals.

If your gut bacteria are out of balance, your body may struggle to produce enough of these neurotransmitters—leading to low mood, mental fog, and that heavy feeling you just can’t shake.


So… How Do You Support a Healthy Gut?

Supporting your gut doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple ways to get started:

  • Eat whole foods rich in fiber and nutrients

  • Avoid excessive sugar, artificial ingredients, and processed foods

  • Stay hydrated and support detox pathways

  • Get adjusted regularly – your nervous system plays a huge role in regulating digestion and gut motility

  • Consider a probiotic or gut support protocol tailored to you (ask us about testing if you're curious!)


What If Mood Isn’t “Just in Your Head”?

At Excelsior, we take a full-body approach. Your symptoms matter, and we want to help uncover the root cause—not just mask the effects.

If you’ve been feeling off—low energy, brain fog, mood swings, or digestive issues—it might be time to take a deeper look at your gut health. We’d love to help you explore what your body is telling you and walk with you on the path to healing.

📞 Reach out to schedule a consult, or ask us about our advanced testing options with our Root Cause Specialist.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

In Health,
Dr. Levi

Dr. Levi Miller is a dedicated Gonstead chiropractor with a profound passion for enhancing wellness through natural, evidence-based methods. His expertise in neurological and spinal health drives his holistic approach to chiropractic care, aiming to empower individuals to achieve optimal health. Dr. Miller's articles are rich with insights into preventive care, tailored adjustments, and the integration of lifestyle changes to support lasting health improvements.

Dr. Levi Miller

Dr. Levi Miller is a dedicated Gonstead chiropractor with a profound passion for enhancing wellness through natural, evidence-based methods. His expertise in neurological and spinal health drives his holistic approach to chiropractic care, aiming to empower individuals to achieve optimal health. Dr. Miller's articles are rich with insights into preventive care, tailored adjustments, and the integration of lifestyle changes to support lasting health improvements.

Instagram logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog