Your gut does far more than simply digest food. Often referred to as the body’s “second brain”, the gut is closely connected to the brain and other organs, helping break down food into absorbable nutrients and distributing them throughout the body where they are needed. Because the gut microbiome plays a role in everything from immunity and inflammation to mood and stress responses, poor gut health can show up in ways that go far beyond digestive discomfort, sometimes affecting energy levels, emotional well-being, and overall health.
Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, is breaking down how the gut microbiome influences far more than just digestion. In an Instagram video shared on May 20, the physician explains how the gut and brain constantly interact through mechanisms linked to stress, inflammation and emotional regulation, how mental health can affect gut function and vice versa, and the impact antibiotics and diet can have on the body’s microbial balance.
Your gut and brain are directly connected
According to Dr Sood, the gut and brain are closely interconnected through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, immune signalling, metabolic byproducts and stress-response systems. He explains that the gut microbiome can influence the production and activity of brain neurotransmitters, while the brain, in turn, affects gut motility, sensitivity and immune function.
He explains, “The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, immune signalling, microbial metabolites, and stress pathways. Gut bacteria can influence neurotransmitter-related compounds, while the brain can also affect gut motility, sensitivity, and immune activity.”
Stress can physically change your gut bacteria
Stress activates key parts of the nervous system, which can disrupt gut permeability, mucus production, digestion and the overall environment in which healthy microbes thrive. According to Dr Sood, chronic stress may also reduce microbiome diversity and trigger inflammation, further affecting both gut health and overall well-being.
The physician explains, “The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, immune signalling, microbial metabolites, and stress pathways. Gut bacteria can influence neurotransmitter-related compounds, while the brain can also affect gut motility, sensitivity, and immune activity.”
Poor gut health may affect mood and anxiety
The gut microbiome also plays an important role in emotional regulation through pathways linked to inflammation, vagus nerve signalling, stress hormones and the production of short-chain fatty acids. However, the physician notes that mental and emotional health are influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, past trauma, medications and environmental conditions.
He highlights, “The microbiome may influence emotional regulation through inflammation, vagus nerve signalling, stress hormones, and short-chain fatty acids. But gut health is only one contributor alongside genetics, hormones, trauma, medications, and environment.”
Antibiotics can disrupt your gut microbiome for months
According to Dr Sood, antibiotics not only target the harmful bacteria responsible for infections but can also significantly disrupt the gut microbiome. Their use may reduce microbial diversity and suppress beneficial bacteria, with some effects on gut balance and recovery potentially lasting for months after the medication course is completed.
The physician explains, “Broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce microbial diversity and suppress beneficial organisms. Some microbiome changes may persist for months depending on antibiotic exposure, diet, age, and baseline gut health.”
Fibre and fermented foods may help restore gut bacteria
Soluble fibres contain prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to produce short-chain fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support overall gut health. Fermented foods, meanwhile, provide probiotic live cultures that can promote microbial diversity, strengthen the gut ecosystem and help maintain a healthy microbial balance.
Dr Sood explains, “Fibre feeds bacteria that produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, while fermented foods with live cultures may support microbial diversity and inflammatory regulation.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
