Why Is Your Gut Called Your Second Brain?

Let’s be real—most of us don’t think about our gut unless something feels… off.

Like when you’re bloated after every meal. Or you’re weirdly anxious for no reason. Or you’re tired, even after sleeping 8 hours.

So here’s a question:

Could it all be coming from your gut?

Actually, yeah. It might.

And that’s exactly why people (including a bunch of scientists way smarter than me) call your gut your second brain.

Let’s break this down together. Super chill, no big words, no preachy advice. Just honest stuff I’ve learned working as the best online nutritionist, and also from fixing my gut when it was a complete mess.

Wait, So… Your Gut Is a Brain?

Kind a. It doesn’t think about taxes or cry during sad movies, but it does communicate with your actual brain.

Inside your gut, there’s this thing called the enteric nervous system—a web of over 100 million nerves. That’s wild, right?

This “second brain” can:

1.   Control digestion on its own
2.   Start a two-way conversation with your brain.
3.   Make neurotransmitters like serotonin (aka the “feel good” chemical)

Fun fact? Your gut produces near about 95% of the serotonin found in your body. Not in your head.

That’s why gut issues can show up as mental health stuff, too. Like anxiety. Or feeling kind a low all the time for no clear reason.

Is the Gut-Brain Connection Just Another Wellness Trend?

Nope. It’s legit. There’s actual science behind it.

Some top medical schools—Harvard, UCLA, places like that—have spent years researching this whole gut-brain link.

Here’s what keeps popping up:

1.   Bad gut = bad mood
2.   Gut inflammation = brain fog
3.   IBS? Often tied to stress and anxiety
4.   Better gut health = clearer thinking, more energy, and good vibes all around.

I’ve seen this play out with my clients.

One woman I worked with had been bloated for months. Always tired. Kind a snappy for no reason. We made a few small changes—cleaner eating, added some fermented foods, cut back on sugar—and within a couple of weeks, she told me: “I feel more like myself again.”

That’s the power of the gut. It’s not just about poop and digestion.

Signs Your Gut Might Be Screaming for Help

Here’s the stuff I hear all the time from clients:

1.   “I’m tired all the time, even with coffee.”
2.   “Everything I eat seems to mess with my stomach lately.”
3.   “I get random cravings I can’t control.”
4.   “My skin’s acting up.”
5.   “I feel kinda down lately and I don’t know why.”

Any of those sound familiar?

If so, your gut could be off track. And honestly, that’s super common.

So What Can You Do About It?

Let’s keep it simple. Don’t need to go full green juice + yoga retreat mode overnight. Just try a few small things.

1. Eat More Real Food

Yeah, I know, boring advice. But it works.

1.   Think stuff that grows, rots, or comes from the ground
2.   Load up on fiber—veggies, oats, chia seeds, lentils
3.   Cut back on the ultra-processed junk that comes in shiny wrappers
4. Add in Some Fermented Foods

These are your gut’s best friends.

1.   Yogurt (with live cultures, not the sugary kind)
2.   Sauerkraut
3.   Miso
4.   Kimchi
5.   Kefir
6.   Kombucha (go easy, it can be sneaky high in sugar)

Start small. Like, a spoonful of sauerkraut with lunch. See how your body handles it.

2. Drink Water (Seriously)

It sounds basic. But a lot of people are walking around half-dehydrated and wondering why their digestion’s off.

Drink water. Not soda. Not iced coffee. Water.

3. Don’t Sleep on Probiotics

Sometimes, your gut needs a little extra help.

A good probiotic can support better digestion, less bloating, and more regularity. Just don’t expect it to fix everything overnight.

And yeah—quality matters. There’s a lot of garbage probiotics out there. (If you’re not sure what to get, hit up someone who knows their stuff.)

Quick Gut Check—How’s Yours Doing?

Ask yourself:

1.   Do you feel bloated a lot?
2.   Do you poop regularly (and easily)?
3.   Do you feel clear-headed most days?
4.   Are you moody for no real reason?
5.   Is your skin acting up even though you’re eating “okay”?

If 2 or more of those hit home, your gut might need a little love.

It’s Not Just About Food, Though

Here’s the part people forget: your gut reacts to stress. A lot.

Ever had a nervous stomach before a big thing? That’s the gut-brain connection in real time.

So yeah—your food matters. But so does sleep. And how much you’re glued to your phone. And whether you’ve taken, like, 3 minutes to breathe this week.

You don’t need a perfect life. Try not to see your body as just a machine to push through the day.

Why I Talk About This So Much

Because I’ve been there.

Years ago, my digestion was all over the place. I felt anxious for no reason. I’d crash at 3 PM every single day.

I thought it was normal. It wasn’t.

Fixing my gut didn’t happen overnight, but once I started paying attention—really listening to what my body was trying to say—everything got better.

And that’s why I coach people now as a [best online nutritionist]. Not to hand out perfect meal plans or lecture you about carbs. Just to help people feel like themselves again.

Thinking About Getting Help? Here’s What to Look For

Not all nutritionists are the same.

If you’re looking for someone to help with gut stuff, make sure they:

1.   Listen first, plan later—because your journey isn’t generic.
2.   Have real experience with gut health, not just trendy buzzwords
3.   Keep things realistic—not “cut out everything fun forever” advice
4.   Offer support between sessions (especially helpful if they’re online)

Honestly, doing it online is easier than you’d think. You can message them, send pics of food labels, and chat about random gut stuff from your couch. It’s more human that way.

If your gut feels off, you’re not broken. You’re just getting a signal.

Your body’s trying to talk to you. Loudly, sometimes.

And once you start listening—even just a little—you’ll be amazed at what changes.

Better sleep. Better mood. Clearer mind. Less bloating. More energy. All from just taking your gut seriously for once.

You don’t have to fix everything today. But maybe just start by asking:

“How’s my gut doing?”

And go from there.