Toolkits & Infosheets Infosheets

Gut-Brain Axis

Date

Jul 21, 2026

Topics

Depression & AnxietyStressChronic Health ConditionAwareness & Wellness

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Our mental health is influenced by multiple systems in our bodies that interact and affect one another. The gut-brain axis (GBA) is the two-way communication between the brain and the gut, via nerves, bacteria, and the chemicals they produce.1,2

Brain to Gut

The brain’s response to stress can lead to a reduction of good bacteria in the gut and result in diarrhea, stomach pain or bloating.3

Gut to Brain

The bacteria in the gut influence the brain by producing chemicals that impact mood.2

The GBA has shown to be involved in various conditions1,3

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Sleep problems
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Supporting your GBA3,4

  • Prioritizing stress management
  • Speaking to professionals like doctors, dieticians, and counselors
  • Improving sleep quality/quantity
  • Increasing fibre-rich and fermented foods (e.g. Kimchi and sauerkraut)

Campus Considerations

  • Do campuses address food insecurity among students?
  • Are the foods on campus diverse, accessible and affordable?
  • Are staff trained to look at wellness holistically?

References

  1. Doenyas C, Clarke G, Cserjési R. Gut–brain axis and neuropsychiatric health: recent advances. Scientific Reports [Internet]. 2025 Jan 27;15(1):3415. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86858-3
  2. Lu S, Zhao Q, Guan Y, Sun Z, Li W, Guo S, et al. The communication mechanism of the gut-brain axis and its effect on central nervous system diseases: A systematic review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy [Internet]. 2024 Jul 26;178:117207. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117207
  3. Bard L., Applebaum G. Gut-brain connection: how does stress affect the digestive system [Internet]. Society of Behavioral Medicine. 2025. Available from: https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/the-gut-brain-connection-how-stress-and-sleep-impact-your-gut.
  4. Zhong L, Liang Y, Chu H, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hou X, et al. Potential risk factors of disorders of Gut-Brain interaction in undergraduates and postgraduates: partially mediated by life stress and lifestyle. Digestive Diseases [Internet]. 2024 Jun 5;42(5):391–8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1159/000539552

References

GutBrainAxis-Infosheet_EN-REFERENCES

Toolkits & Infosheets

Documentation to help campus staff and students with mental health issues.

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