If winter leaves you feeling sluggish, foggy, or emotionally off, your gut may be part of the conversation.
The gut and brain are deeply connected through what’s known as the gut–brain axis. Gut bacteria help produce and regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which influence mood, calm, and focus. In fact, a large percentage of serotonin activity is linked to the digestive system.
When digestion is stressed—irregular meals, low fiber intake, chronic stress, or frequent antibiotics—this communication can be disrupted. The result may show up as low mood, anxiety, poor digestion, or fatigue.
Winter can amplify this:
- Less movement
- Heavier, lower-fiber foods
- Increased stress and less sunlight
Supporting gut health doesn’t require perfection. Gentle consistency matters more.
Helpful habits include:
- Eating regular meals with adequate protein
- Including fermented or fiber-rich foods when tolerated
- Slowing down during meals to support digestion
Some people choose to support their routine with probiotic foods or plant-based supplements like Life-9. Products like NingXia Red® are often used as part of a whole-food approach to daily nutrition, especially during seasons when fresh produce variety is limited.
Rather than chasing a quick fix, February invites a slower question:
How does my digestion feel—and what might it be telling me?
If you’re curious about how gut health connects to your energy, mood, or metabolism, a coaching conversation can help you connect the dots and build a plan that fits your body.
- “Many people in our Metabolic Reset are surprised to learn how strongly digestion and mood are connected.”
- “If you’re struggling with low energy, cravings, or mood shifts, a functional medicine coaching consult can help connect the dots.”
References & Further Reading
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00328/full
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
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