Brain health

How the gut-brain connection influences mood

What happens in your digestive tract may contribute to feelings such as happiness and hopefulness, as well as anxiety and irritability.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
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Illustration of a human brain and digestive tract side by side, with arrows between them in both directions and the words gut-brain connection.

Modern-day expressions suggest we’re innately attuned to the relationship between our brain and our gut. When we’re nervous, we might say we have “butterflies.” When we make a decision, we often attribute it to a “gut feeling.”

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About the Author

photo of Maureen Salamon

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is the executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website. … See Full Bio
View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

photo of Jun Huh, PhD

Jun Huh, PhD, Contributor

Jun Huh is an associate professor of microbiology and immunobiology at Harvard Medical School. Huh received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and completed postdoctoral training at NYU School of Medicine as a Jane … See Full Bio
View all posts by Jun Huh, PhD
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