September kicks off our two months of developing some positive habits around our mental health. Expert advice from our Nutrition team on how your food impacts your mood, and practical tips from our Stress Expert Rich Muir on how he turned burnout to success. Tune in to meet Rich and hear his story
What you eat affects how you feel
Ever noticed how some days you’re full of beans and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you, while other days, you feel like a walking zombie, barely making it through the day? Believe it or not, the difference could be sitting on your plate or in your lunchbox. Your diet doesn’t just affect your waistline; it plays a starring role in your mental health and overall wellbeing too.
The Gut-Brain Connection: More than just a gut feeling
You’ve probably heard the saying, “trust your gut.” Well, there’s more truth to that than you might think. The gut-brain connection is a hot topic in the world of health, and for good reason. Your gut and brain are in constant communication, kind of like best mates who text each other all day long. This connection is so strong that your gut is often called your “second brain.”
What’s really fascinating is that about 90% of your body’s serotonin (the happy hormone) is produced in your gut. Yes, you read that right—your gut is a serotonin factory! This means that what’s going on in your belly can have a massive impact on your mood. 
Meet your Gut Microbiome: The tiny troops that have your back
Your gut isn’t just a hollow tube where food gets digested. It’s home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These little guys are busy all day, every day, helping you break down food, absorb nutrients, and even protect you from nasty invaders. But here’s the kicker—they also play a key role in your mental health.
Recent research has shown that a healthy gut microbiome can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. On the flip side, a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can throw your microbiome out of whack, leading to mood swings, irritability, and even feelings of depression.
What’s on the menu for a happier you?
So, what should you be eating to keep both your gut and your mood in tip-top shape?
There are a few tips that are easy to follow, even for those of you burning the midnight oil. These range from loading up on fibre rich foods to incorporating some fermented foods (eg yoghurt) into your day. You know what foods you should be avoiding, the fast food options, they are convenient now but the future you is not going to be happy. Take some time to plan your meals at the start of the week, cooking some bulk healthy options and stock up on eggs, fruit, nuts, crackers and cook a soup on Sundays! Just google your favourite soup recipe, or check our favourite chicken soup here.
For more information about how you can improve your gut health and a nutrition plan that helps you improve your overall health and emotional wellbeing, we have Accredited Practising Dietitians at Health Stack servicing our clients across the nation.
Bottom Line: You are what you eat (literally!)
Taking care of your gut is taking care of your mental health. So, next time you’re tempted to grab that takeaway or sugary snack, remember: your gut has feelings too. Nourish it well, and you’ll be rewarded with a happier, more balanced mood – no matter what shift you’re working.
Health Stack
