How Does the Gut-Brain Axis Influence Mood?

Your tummy is not just a food bag. It talks to your brain using a special cable called the vagus nerve. Think of it like a telephone line that sends signals both ways.

Most of your body's happy chemical, serotonin, starts in your gut. If your stomach bacteria are healthy and strong, they send good vibes up to your brain. This makes you feel calm and cheerful.

Sometimes, when you are nervous, your tummy gets sick too. This happens because the phone line sends worry signals down to your intestines. That is why you get 'butterflies' before a big test or speech.