Have you ever heard the saying, "Listen to your gut" or “Trust your gut feelings”? It turns out there's a lot of truth to that advice. The gut and brain are always talking to each other, affecting everything from mood and energy to digestion and immunity. This connection, known as the "gut-brain axis," plays a key role in our overall health. Recent research has shown how gastrointestinal health, or gut health, can directly impact mental well-being, helping us understand the strong link between the two.1,2 In this blog, we’ll explore how the gut-brain connection works, four ways bariatric surgery can impact this connection, and how supporting gut health can improve your quality of life. What Is the Gut-Brain Connection? The gut and brain communicate constantly through what's called the "gut-brain axis." This connection relies on signals sent between your digestive system and brain using nerves, hormones, and immune responses. Your gut is sometimes referred to as your "second brain" because of the number of neurons it contains—about 100 million! The vagus nerve plays a major role by directly linking the brain to the gut. Your gut bacteria—known as the gut microbiome—also help by influencing brain function and overall health. Certain gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which are known to impact mood, anxiety, and stress. In fact, about 90% of serotonin, the "feel-good" chemical, is produced in the gut.3 When this system works well, it supports healthy digestion, mood, and immune system health. However, disruptions, such as poor dietary choices, stress, antibiotics, illness, or surgery (including bariatric surgery), may lead to imbalances and health conditions. How Bariatric Surgery Affects the Gut-Brain Axis For bariatric patients, understanding the gut-brain connection is especially important. After weight loss surgery, changes in your digestive system can influence both physical and mental well-being. Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgeries change the size and shape of your stomach, impacting how your body digests food, absorbs nutrients, and affects your gut bacteria. These changes can disrupt the gut-brain connection, leading to physical and emotional effects. Here are four ways bariatric surgery can impact the gut-brain connection: 1. Changes in gut bacteria: Surgery changes the digestive system, which can affect the balance of gut microorganisms. Studies show that gut bacteria can impact mental health, influencing anxiety, depression, and appetite. A healthy gut is important for clear communication between the gut and brain.4 2. Nutrient absorption and mental health: After bariatric surgery, it's common to absorb fewer nutrients, especially vitamins like B12, which are vital for brain health. Low levels of key nutrients can impact mood, mental clarity, and overall cognitive function.5 3. Hunger and fullness hormones: Bariatric surgery affects hormones like ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone." This can change how you feel hunger and fullness, and may also impact mood and energy levels, as these hormones are closely connected to brain function.6 4. Emotional and psychological changes: After surgery, many people experience emotional shifts, which can be connected to the gut-brain axis. The stress of surgery, rapid weight loss, and lifestyle changes can impact mental health. For some, mood disorders like anxiety or depression may develop or worsen, possibly linked to changes in gut health.7 Supporting Gut Health for Bariatric Patients Prioritizing gastrointestinal health is important to maintaining the brain-gut connection after bariatric surgery. Here are some strategies to help. Diet and Supplements 1. Probiotics and prebiotics: Adding probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (food for those good bacteria) to your diet can help keep your gut healthy. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and prebiotics in fiber-rich vegetables. For extra support, supplements with clinically tested probiotics like Bacillus subtilis DE111® can also help with regulating gut balance.8* 2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, these essential fats have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit both the gut and brain.3. Digestive enzymes: After surgery, some patients experience difficulty digesting certain foods. Taking digestive enzyme supplements can assist in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and improving overall digestive comfort.* 4. Nutrient support: Since bariatric patients are at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, it’s essential to supplement with bariatric-specific multivitamins that provide adequate amounts of B vitamins, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. This can play an important role in supporting your physical and mental well-being. 5. Mindful eating: Paying attention to how and what you eat can improve digestion and reduce stress on the gut-brain axis. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and avoid foods that irritate your digestive system. 6. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for gut health and digestion, especially after bariatric surgery. Be sure to sip water throughout the day, but avoid drinking while eating, as this can make digestion harder and affect your body's ability to feel full. Lifestyle Changes 1. Manage stress: Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can also benefit gut health, as stress negatively impacts the gut-brain connection. 2. Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can negatively impact both your gut microbiome and your mental well-being. 3. Exercise regularly: Physical activity promotes healthy digestion and can positively affect your gut bacteria. 4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and helps keep the intestinal lining healthy. Conclusion Your gut and brain are closely linked, and this connection plays a big role in your overall health. Taking care of your gut microbiota with a balanced diet, managing stress, and following healthy habits can improve both your digestion and your mental well-being. For bariatric patients, supporting your gut microbiome, taking digestive enzymes, and making sure you absorb nutrients properly can boost your digestion, mood, and overall well-being after surgery. Remember, after bariatric surgery, it's not just about losing weight—it's also about taking care of your body and mind. Focusing on your gut health can make you feel better physically and improve your mood as you adjust to this major life change. The next time you're feeling stressed or anxious, it might be worth looking at what's going on in your gut. After all, a healthy gut could be the key to a healthy mind. References 1. Carabotti M et al. Ann Gastroenterol. 2015;28(2):203–209.2. Gwak MG et al. Immune Netw. 2021;21(3):e20.3. Holzer P. Front Behav Neurosci. 2022;16:929332.4. Kumar A et al. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023;16(4):565.5. Muscaritoli M. Front Nutr. 2021;8:656290.6. Gajewska A et al. Nutrients. 2023;15(18):3960.7. Francois Z, Rizvi A. Psychiatric Complications of Bariatric Surgery. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.8. Colom J et al. Front Microbiol. 2021;12:715863. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regard to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.