Why gut health plays an important role in your mental health

Looking for natural ways to support both your gut and your mind? Your digestive health does more than help you break down food, it’s closely connected to how you feel mentally and emotionally. In this blog, we explore the gut-brain connection and how a healthy digestive system can support better mood, focus, and emotional resilience. Plus, discover calming herbal teas like NutraCleanse, Spearmint & White Peony, and Lemongrass & Ginger, all carefully blended to nourish your gut and support your mental wellbeing, one soothing cup at a time. 

We’re all familiar with that gut feeling, the nervous flutter before a big decision or the sinking sensation when something feels wrong. But the connection between your gut and your mind goes far deeper than a turn of phrase.  

This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, relationships in the body: the gut-brain connection. Emerging research continues to reveal how gut health and mental wellbeing are deeply intertwined, and how supporting your digestion can positively influence your mood, clarity, and overall mental resilience.  

What is the gut-brain connection? 

Your gut and brain are in constant communication, linked through a complex network known as the gut-brain axis. This connection involves neural pathways, hormones, and the immune system, allowing your brain to influence your digestive system, and vice versa.  

The gut is sometimes called the second brain because it contains its own nervous system (the enteric nervous system) and produces many of the same neurotransmitters found in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which help regulate mood, sleep, and emotions.  

In fact, around 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain. That’s why a healthy digestive system can play such a key role in how we feel, think, and even sleep.  

How gut imbalances can affect mental health  

When your gut microbiome – the trillions of bacteria that live in your digestive tract – is out of balance, it can lead to more than just bloating or discomfort. Studies show that an imbalanced gut can: 

• Increase inflammation, which is linked to anxiety and depression 
• Disrupt neurotransmitter production, affecting mood and focus 
• Lower your stress resilience and energy levels  
• Contribute to conditions such as brain fog, low mood, or poor sleep 

In short, what’s going on in your digestive system has a direct impact on your mental wellbeing. That’s why supporting your gut is an important and empowering part of caring for your mind.  

Herbal teas that support the gut-mind connection 

At NutraTea, we believe that small, daily rituals can make a big difference, and one of the easiest ways to support your gut (and mind) is through a cup of functional herbal tea. Here are three blends crafted with ingredients traditionally used to support digestion and emotional balance: 

NutraCleanse for cleanse and reset  

This targeted blend combines herbs traditionally used to promote digestive clarity and internal balance. Ingredients such as fennel, burdock root, and dandelion root have a gentle, cleansing effect on the gut, helping to support detoxification pathways and reduce inflammation – key factors for both gut and brain health.  

NutraCleanse is ideal if you’re looking to reset your system, reduce sluggishness, and gently nourish your microbiome from within.  

Spearmint & White Peony for balance and clarity  

This refreshing, hormone-balancing blend features spearmint, known for its soothing digestive effects, and white peony, a traditional Chinese herb with calming, mood-supportive properties.  

Not only can this blend help reduce bloating and digestive discomfort, but its hormone regulating benefits may also ease stress and mental tension, especially useful for those navigating perimenopause, PMS, or fluctuating moods.  

Lemongrass & Ginger for soothing support 

With its vibrant flavour and uplifting aroma, this blend pairs ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory and digestion aid, with lemongrass, traditionally used to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.  

Together, these herbs can ease digestive discomfort, support healthy gut motility, and promote a sense of calm, making it a perfect choice for stressful days or winding down in the evening.  

How to support gut health for mental wellbeing  

In addition to herbal support, there are several simple ways to support your gut-brain connection: 

• Eat more fibre-rich and fermented foods such as oats, beans, kimchi and kefir 
• Reduce sugar and ultra-processed foods that disrupt your gut flora 
• Get enough sleep – your gut microbiome follows a circadian rhythm  
• Move your body regularly – exercise supports both digestion and mood 
• Manage stress through mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling  
• Stay hydrated – your gut and brain both depend on adequate water intake 

Small rituals, big impact  

On World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded of the many ways we can care for ourselves, and that includes listening to our bodies. Tuning in to your gut is one of the most powerful ways to support your mind.  

By adding a daily cup of herbal tea, prioritising gut-friendly foods, and making time for small moments of calm, you can build a foundation of support that strengthens your physical and emotional wellbeing.  

Your Questions Answered  

Can poor gut health really affect mental health? 

Yes! Studies increasingly show a strong link between gut imbalances and symptoms like anxiety, depression, and brain fog.  

What are the best herbal teas for gut health? 

Blends with ginger, fennel, peppermint, lemongrass, and dandelion are especially supportive of digestion and inflammation, key for gut and brain wellbeing.  

When is the best time to drink gut-supportive teas?

Many people find these teas helpful in the morning (to awaken digestion) or after meals (to ease bloating). Choose a time that feels right for you. 

How quickly can I feel the effects?

Some people notice a calming effect within a few days, while gut health benefits tend to build gradually with consistent use. 

Is herbal tea a replacement for mental health treatment?

No, while herbal tea can support wellbeing, it’s not a substitute for professional care. Always speak to your GP if you’re struggling with mental health symptoms.