“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” — Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb
Introduction
We’re taught to hide what we feel. To stay composed. To keep moving forward. But what if the emotions we suppress don’t just disappear—they embed themselves in the gut, shaping our digestion, our immunity, our clarity, and our joy? What if healing anxiety, overwhelm, and exhaustion isn’t just about mindset—but about listening to the gut as our second brain, our emotional compass, and our inner healer? In previous posts we have begun exploring this topic from the perspective of Ayurveda. Today we take a look at the Gut Microbiome, Digestive Health and Emotional Wellness from the perspective of Modern Science.The Gut as the Physiological Foundation of Wellness
The Power of the Gut Microbiome
Our Gut Microbiome is a vast ecosystem within us, home to trillions of microbes that are essential to our well-being. These microbes are comprised of precious bacteria, fungi and viruses that are created by our mother’s body specifically for us during pregnancy, and mostly ‘painted’ onto and into us as we pass out the vaginal canal during birth. The remainder of them are fed into us from our mother’s breast milk during those first six months in the world after our umbilical cord is cut. And then after that, maintained 100% by what we eat. Science tells us there are more microbes in our Gut Microbiome than there are stars in our Milky Way galaxy. Over one hundred trillion. Contemplate this. These microbes play vital roles in everything from digesting food, metabolizing nutrients and detoxifying to producing key neurotransmitters and supporting immune function, emotional wellbeing, cognitive function, heart and cardiovascular function, and the list goes on! A balanced gut microbiome enables the body to operate in harmony, while an imbalanced gut microbiome sits as a root cause of imbalance and dis-ease.The Gut-Body Connection
The health of the gut directly affects every major organ system in the body:- Immune System: Approximately 70% – 80% of our immune cells reside in the gut, making it a major influence in our body’s natural defenses. A thriving Gut Microbiome enhances immunity, resilience, and overall vitality.
- Organ Health: The heart, liver, kidneys, and even the brain depend on a well-functioning gut. A healthy Gut supports these organs by regulating inflammation, detoxifying harmful substances, and maintaining equilibrium within the body.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Emotional and Cognitive Health
So you know how you feel butterflies in your tummy? And how your mother or grandmother would advise you to ‘follow your gut’? Well, it turns out that there is undisputed science in this. Because there is an entire Nervous System that runs between the brain and the gut, known as the Gut-Brain Connection. And it forms a physical and biochemical link that sends communications and neurotransmissions—24/7—back and forth. What we feel in our emotions is transferred to our Gut. And what our Gut feels is transferred to the emotional centre of our Brain. Our Emotional & Mental Health is directly related to the state of our Gut. Read that again.Mood and Emotion
Did you know that up to 90% of serotonin and other neurotransmitters like dopamine are produced in the gut? In fact, the Gut Microbiome has the potential to produce more serotonin and dopamine than the brain. Read that again. Serotonin and dopamine play critical roles in regulating mood, stress responses, and emotional stability. When the gut is imbalanced, it sits as a root cause of emotional dis-harmony, mood swings, anxiety, stress and depression.Cognitive Function and Focus
The health of our gut also directly impacts cognitive function and mental clarity. It is well documented that imbalance in the Gut can lead to cognitive symptoms like brain fog and poor concentration. A healthy gut, however, supports a clear and focused mind, aiding in overall cognitive performance.Conclusion
Gut health is so much more than diet and nutrition. It’s the cornerstone of aligning Body, Mind, and Spirit, impacting every aspect of our well-being and Earth. By consciously nurturing our gut through a conscious food relationship, we set the foundation for physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional harmony, cognitive function and spiritual alignment.Reflections – Take a Moment . . .
- Would you say you have a conscious relationship with food, or is food and eating a mostly-automated response to triggers of hunger?
- Do you create intentional space and time to eat, or is eating a secondary activity while you are doing something else?
- Do you feel your food and the effects each meal has on you – physically and mentally?
- How would you describe your relationship with Earth; Nature?
Invitation
If something stirred in you while reading this—if you feel a quiet knowing that your gut, your emotions, your rhythm are asking for deeper care—then this is your moment to pause and listen.Click Here for your Invitation into a Sacred Food Journey
