Your Gut Feelings Are More Than Just a Saying: How Your Microbiome Influences Your Behavior

You know that feeling when you're "hangry" and suddenly everyone around you becomes unbearably annoying? Well, my friend, there's more to that story than just low blood sugar. Grab a kombucha or some fresh squeezed juice (your gut bugs will thank you), and let me tell you about one of the most fascinating things I've learned recently: the incredible connection between our gut microbiome and our behavior.

The Little Voice(s) Inside You

Here's something wild – you're never really alone. Right now, trillions of tiny microorganisms are hanging out in your gut, having what I can only imagine is the world's smallest party. But these aren't just passive passengers on the journey of life; they're more like backseat drivers who have a surprising amount of influence over your mood and behavior.

Remember how your mom always said you are what you eat? Turns out she was onto something bigger than she probably realized. Research published in "Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews" showed that these gut microbes actually produce many of the same neurotransmitters our brains use to regulate mood and behavior, including serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. In fact, about 90% of your body's serotonin (yes, the "happy chemical") is produced in your gut!

When Good Bugs Go Bad

Now, here's where it gets really interesting. A study in "Nature Microbiology" found that certain types of gut bacteria are linked to aggressive behavior. Think of it like having a really bad roommate who keeps leaving passive-aggressive notes and making everyone tense – except these roommates are microscopic and live in your intestines.

I learned this the hard way during my recent experiment with a super-strict diet that basically eliminated all fiber (don't ask – we all make mistakes). After less than two weeks, I found myself snapping at my partner over things like leaving a spoon in the sink. Not my finest moment! Turns out, I was literally starving my good gut bacteria, and the troublemakers were taking over.

Making Peace With Your Inner Community

The good news is that we can actually influence this microscopic community. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that a diet rich in diverse, fiber-filled foods like fresh fruits and vegetables can promote the growth of "friendly" bacteria that help regulate mood and reduce inflammation-related anxiety and depression.

Think of it like tending a garden. You want to:

- Eat all the plant based fiber you can (you can't OD on fresh fruits and veggies)

- Feed the good guys (prebiotics from foods like garlic, onions, and bananas)

- Bring in reinforcements (probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi)

- Avoid overdoing the things that kill off your beneficial bacteria (like excessive alcohol, artificial sweeteners or antibiotics)

(Quick side note, antibiotics only work on bacteria and parasites, so if your doctor tells you your symptoms are due to a virus or a fungus please don’t take antibiotics. They wont help your condition and will wipe out your gut microbiome and that’s most of your immune system.)

The Bottom Line

The next time someone tells you to trust your gut, remember that your gut might actually be trustworthy – assuming you've been taking good care of your microscopic friends. Our moods, behaviors, and even our personality traits are influenced by these tiny tenants in ways we're only beginning to understand.

And while it's fascinating to think about how our microbiome might be pulling our behavioral strings, it's also empowering to know we can influence this relationship through our diet and lifestyle choices. So maybe the secret to being less aggressive isn't anger management classes – it might just be a bowl of fiber-rich lentils and a side of sauerkraut!

As always with Love,

Dom