Gut - Brain Connection

Your Gut Literally Thinks - And It Might Be Driving Your Mood, Motivation & Decisions

We often say, “trust your gut.” But did you know your gut might be smarter than you think?

Turns out, it’s more than just a saying.

Your gut has over 100 million neurons - more than your spinal cord - earning it the title of your “second brain.”

This vast network (the enteric nervous system) communicates directly with your brain through the vagus nerve, a superhighway of information that influences far more than digestion.

But your gut doesn’t just digest food - it influences how you think, feel, and function.

The gut plays a central role in producing the neurotransmitters that shape how we feel every day:

- Serotonin (calm, contentment) – 90% of it is made in the gut

- Dopamine (joy, motivation)

- GABA (peace, reduced anxiety)

- Endorphins (euphoria, pleasure)

- Oxytocin (connection, empathy)

When your gut is healthy, these “feel-good” messengers flow naturally, supporting:

- Emotional resilience

- Mental clarity

- Better decision-making

- Inner calm

But when your gut is off-balance, whether from stress, poor food, or erratic routines, it can lead to mood swings, low energy, anxiety, and burnout.

So, how do you support your second brain?

Here’s what helps:

- Probiotics (like curd, kanji, fermented foods)

- Prebiotics (greens, legumes, fruits)

- Omega-3s (fish, seeds, nuts)

- Consistent movement

- Deep breathing & mindfulness (to activate the vagus nerve)

- Sleep + hydration (to repair and reset your system)

Whether you're leading teams, managing stress, or just aiming to perform better - your gut is a powerful ally.

It’s not just processing food.

It’s processing you.

Lt Col R Sudhir

Leadership Coach

www.blissfulminds.net | sudhir@blissfulminds.in