Occasional gastrointestinal symptoms are common in the otherwise healthy population. Most symptoms respond to dietary changes presumably via changes in the gut microbiota. Evidence shows that diet has a major impact on the gut microbiota and overall gastrointestinal health, and dietary interventions, such as consuming probiotics, especially Bifidobacterium, and the low oligo-, di-, and monosaccharide and polyol (FODMAP) diet, are recommended for different disorders. Physical activity may also improve the gut microbiota composition and appears to reduce digestive complaints, yet many studies analyzing the effects of diet and lifestyle are limited.

Ever have to run to the bathroom every time you’re anxious or stressed?

Do you get butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous?

The connection between our mood and digestive symptoms is due to what’s called the gut-brain axis.

The key to your mental health could lie in your gut.

What is the gut-brain axis?

Exciting new studies in the field of gut microbiome research have shown that the trillions of microbes that reside in our intestines affect our mood and vice versa in what’s now called the gut-brain axis.