“Trust your gut.”
We say it all the time. Whenever we need to make a decision or when something feels off, our
body knows before our brain. However, the longer I’ve lived with my own gut issues, the more I
have realized that it is not just a saying.
Think about it. When we are nervous or excited, we have “butterflies.” I, like many, can’t eat
when I’m anxious. Others “stress eat.” Our stomach even drops when we hear bad news. Time
after time, we use language that evolved from our gut to describe our emotions. Perhaps we do
this for a reason; the gut may be more important than we think.

My Own Journey
For years, I have dealt with unexplained stomach pain. Some days it was intense cramping and
bloating, and others it was chronic nausea that would make me lose my appetite for days on end.
But it wasn’t the pain that bothered me, but the mood it put me in. I became agitated and
increasingly stressed, and disconnected from my body.
After seeing five different doctors, undergoing rounds of tests, and still being told “nothing’s
wrong,” I did what many women do— I started researching on my own.
What I found was far more complex than I had thought.
The Link Between the Stomach and Mental Health
It turns out, our gut isn’t just responsible for digestion. It’s deeply intertwined with our mental
health. There’s an entire network of nerves connecting the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain
axis, which constantly sends signals in both directions.
Studies show that imbalances in the gut microbiome, which are trillions of bacteria, fungi, and
microorganisms that reside in our digestive tract, directly influence mood, anxiety, and how we
process stress. There is evidence to suggest that the gut microbiota can shape our thoughts and
behavior, which can help us understand and maybe even treat mental health conditions like
anxiety and depression.

Digging Deeper
As I researched more, I also learned how gut issues can lead to or even originate from larger
health conditions. For example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which I suspect I may have, is
now directly linked to anxiety and depression.
I realized that the way to improve both my stomach and the negative emotions it was causing
was nutrition. I started keeping track of trigger foods, foods that helped, and the circumstances of
my pain (when I was stressed, hormone shifts, life changes, etc). Nutrition was no longer just
about food for me, but a form of care, both physically and mentally.

Final Thoughts
If your gut’s been off and your mood right along with it, you’re not alone, and you are definitely
not imagining it.
Trust your gut. Then understand what it’s trying to say.
Sukoon’s approach of combining mental health, nutrition, and movement is the only approach I
feel that resonates with me. If you’re looking for extra support that understands the connection
between food, feelings, and identity, Sukoon is here to help you, too.