The gut microbiome is foundational in regulating mood, cognition, and mental health through the gut-brain axis—a dynamic, bidirectional communication network involving the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Over 90% of the body’s serotonin and a significant portion of dopamine are produced or modulated in the gut, making the integrity and diversity of the microbiome essential for emotional balance and mental clarity. When the gut becomes imbalanced—due to stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or inflammation—this can lead to dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), allowing inflammatory molecules like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation that impacts the brain. This process activates TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways and raises levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been strongly associated with depression, anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog. One of the most powerful and often overlooked tools for supporting gut-brain health is the intake of polyphenols—plant compounds found in colorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, teas, and spices. Polyphenols act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and helping to increase microbial diversity. These bacteria, in turn, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which reduce neuroinflammation, strengthen the gut barrier, and promote the production of neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin.​​​​

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