Last updated: 2026-04-03
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Written by the Rational Growth editorial team. Our health and psychology content is informed by peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, and real-world experience. We follow strict editorial standards and cite primary sources throughout.
After looking at the evidence, a few things stood out to me.
I was surprised by some of these findings when I first dug into the research.
Here’s the thing most people miss about this topic.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
Ever noticed this pattern in your own life?
Ever noticed this pattern in your own life?
Sound familiar?
References
Bravo, J. A., Forsythe, P., Chew, M. V., Escaravage, E., Savignac, H. M., Dinan, T. G., … & Cryan, J. F. (2011). Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(38), 16050–16055.
Related: evidence-based supplement guide
Jiang, C., Li, G., Huang, P., Liu, Z., & Zhao, B. (2015). The gut microbiota and Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 58(1), 1–15.
Lynch, S. V., & Pedersen, O. (2016). The human microbiome and the immune system. Science Translational Medicine, 8(319), 319ra96.
I believe this deserves more attention than it gets.
Mayer, E. A. (2011). Gut feelings: The emerging biology of gut-brain communication. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 12(8), 453–466.
Yano, J. M., Yu, K., Donaldson, G. P., Shih, G. Q., Misra, R., Oswald, F., … & Mazmanian, S. K. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. Cell, 161(2), 264–276.
