For years, scientists and dietitians have championed the importance of maintaining a healthy gut — not just for digestion, but for a stronger immune system too. Now, emerging research is revealing another powerful benefit: a healthy gut could be the key to better mental wellbeing.
Exploring the growing evidence that the gut and brain are deeply connected, researchers from the University of South Australia have uncovered the strongest proof yet that changes in a person’s gut microbiome can directly influence their brain chemistry.
Their review revealed several striking findings, including:
Lead author and PhD candidate Srinivas Kamath says the findings show the gut could hold the key to improving mental health.
“The gut–brain connection is one of the most exciting frontiers in mental health research,” says Kamath.
“We already know that the trillions of microbes in our digestive system talk to the brain through chemical and neural pathways, affecting our mood, stress levels and even cognition.
“But the big question is whether changes in gut bacteria actually drive mental illness or mirror what’s happening elsewhere in the body.”
Mental illness remains a major public health challenge. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 42.9 per cent of people aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
“There’s a growing awareness that lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and environment can shape both gut bacteria and mental wellbeing,” says co-researcher Dr Paul Joyce.
“If we can prove that gut bacteria play a direct role in mental illness, it could transform how we diagnose, treat, and even prevent these conditions.
“Microbiome-based therapies such as probiotics, prebiotics or tailored diets may offer accessible, safer, low-cost and culturally adaptable options that complement existing care.”
The researchers say future studies must track gut changes over time and include more diverse, larger populations, to better understand how diet, environment and culture shape the gut–brain connection.
Our gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, regulating hormones, and even influencing our brain function. Poor gut health can also lead to inflammation in the body, which is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients, making it even more important to focus on maintaining good gut health through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits. By prioritising gut health, we can improve our overall health and reduce their risk of a wide range of health issues.
If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive problems, it’s important to speak to your GP. Identifying and addressing gut imbalances early could benefit not just your body — but your mind too.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.