The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Digestive Health Impacts Mental Wellness

Jul 23, 2025

Have you been feeling down or stressed lately, sometimes for no clear reason? Science shows there may be a surprising reason for this: your gut and brain are closely connected, and your digestive health can affect your mental well-being.

Your gut and brain constantly communicate through the gut-brain axis, influencing how you think, feel, and focus. An unhealthy gut can lead to brain fog, mood swings, or anxiety, while a healthy one supports calmness and clarity. Diet, sleep, and stress levels all impact this connection.

So, let's explore how caring for your gut can boost your mental well-being.

But first, let’s understand what the gut-brain axis is.

What Is the Gut-Brain Axis?

The gut-brain axis is the system that links the gut and brain. This connection allows them to send messages back and forth, like a phone call.

This communication mainly occurs through a special nerve called the vagus nerve, which runs from your brain to your stomach and intestines.

But that’s not the only way they talk. Hormones, immune cells, and other messengers also carry signals between the two.

Your emotions can affect how your gut works. For example, you may feel sick to your stomach when you’re nervous or get a stomachache when you’re stressed. But it also works in the other direction, when your gut is out of balance, it can affect your emotions and thinking.

That’s why gut health is so important; not just for your digestion, but for your overall mood, focus, and even how you handle stress.

So, now the question is: how is it connected to mental health, and what is the “second brain”?

Also Read: 15 Natural Ways to Lower Your Stress Hormone Aka Cortisol Levels!

Your “Second Brain”

Scientists often refer to the gut as the “Second Brain” because it contains more than 100 million nerve cells, more than the spinal cord.

This second brain controls digestion and also plays a role in your mood and brain function. One Your gut helps produce important chemicals called neurotransmitters, Such as serotonin, often referred to as the “Happy Chemical.” It helps control mood, sleep, and feelings of well-being.

Surprisingly, about 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. That’s right; most of the chemicals that help you feel happy come from your digestive system!

Gut Microbiota and Mental Health

Your gut is home to trillions of tiny living organisms. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. Together, they’re called your gut microbiota or gut flora.

These microbes aren’t bad; in fact, many of them are helpful. They break down food, help you absorb nutrients, and protect you from harmful bacteria. They also produce chemicals that affect your brain.

When the balance of these microbes is right, your gut feels healthy. But when things get out of balance (a condition called dysbiosis), you may notice problems like gas, bloating, poor digestion, and mental health issues like mood swings, anxiety, or depression.

Some reviews have highlighted that people with depression or anxiety often have an unhealthy mix of gut bacteria. While more research is needed, it’s clear that your gut microbes play a big role in your mental health.

Now that you understand the importance of a healthy gut-mental health connection, it’s time to adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Let’s explore foods to include and lifestyle changes you can adopt.

How You Can Support & Repair Your Gut-Brain Connection

What you eat, how much you move, how well you sleep, and how you deal with stress; all of these things affect your gut and your brain.

Here are a few simple ways to support your gut-brain connection:

1. Eat More Fiber

Foods high in fiber help feed the good bacteria in your gut. Examples include:

Whole grains (like brown rice and oats)

Beans and lentils

Fruits (like apples and bananas)

Vegetables (like spinach, broccoli, and carrots)

Fiber helps your good gut bacteria grow and stay strong.

2. Add Prebiotics

Prebiotics are special types of fiber that feed your good gut bacteria. Foods with prebiotics include:

Garlic

Onions

Asparagus

Leeks

Bananas

Adding these to your diet can help build a healthier gut.

3. Eat Fermented Foods

Fermented foods contain probiotics, which are live good bacteria that can help improve your gut health. Try eating:

Yogurt with live cultures

Kefir (a drink similar to yogurt)

Sauerkraut (fermented raw cabbage preserved from salt)

Kimchi (salted and fermented vegetables)

Miso (fermented soybeans)

These foods help add helpful bacteria to your gut, which may support better mood and brain function.

4. Cut Back on Sugar & Processed Foods

Eating too much sugar and ultra-processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and fast food, can harm your gut bacteria and increase inflammation in the body. Try to eat these foods less often.

5. Stay Active

Exercise helps keep your gut healthy and your mood balanced. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days of the week.

6. Sleep Well

Sleep gives your gut time to rest and reset. Poor sleep can upset the gut-brain balance and lead to stress and poor focus.

7. Manage Stress

Too much stress can harm your gut. Deep breathing, yoga, journaling, or spending time in nature can help you relax.

Also Read: Stress Relief Vitamins: Who Should Take Vitamins for Stress Relief?

Now, let's move ahead and learn what psychobiotics are and what they do for your mental health.

Psychobiotics: Probiotics for Mental Health

Psychobiotics are a special kind of probiotic that may help improve mental health. Some types of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are being studied for their ability to support mood and reduce anxiety.

Early research suggests that these psychobiotics may help people feel better by improving the way their gut communicates with their brain. Scientists are still learning about how they work, but these probiotics may one day become part of mental health treatments.

Future Research and Considerations

Researchers are now looking at how gut health may be linked to conditions like:

Autism

Alzheimer’s disease

Parkinson’s disease

Some studies suggest that changes in gut bacteria could play a role in these conditions. However, more research is needed to understand how this works.

It's essential to consult your doctor before making significant changes to your diet or taking new supplements. Medications, stress, sleep, and even where you live can affect your gut health, too.

Also Read: When is the Best Time to Take Fiber Supplements for Better Health Benefits?

Conclusion: A Healthy Gut = A Happier Mind

Your digestive system and brain are deeply connected. Taking care of your gut can help you feel better both physically and mentally.

Here’s a quick recap:

Eat fiber-rich and fermented foods.

Add prebiotics to your meals.

Avoid too much sugar and processed foods.

Get regular exercise, good sleep, and manage stress.

Consider probiotics and psychobiotics if your doctor recommends them.

When your gut is healthy, your brain functions better; you think more clearly, feel calmer, and experience a more stable mood. Even small diet changes, like adding natural gut-supporting ingredients, and lifestyle tweaks can make a big difference over time.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a replacement for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional if you have health concerns or before starting a new treatment.

References

Miri, S. et al. (2025) Neuromicrobiology, an emerging neurometabolic facet of the gut microbiome?, Frontiers. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1098412/full#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%2090%E2%80%9395%25%20of%20the%20body%E2%80%99s%20serotonin%20is%20located%20within%20the%20gastrointestinal%20tract.%20The%20gut%20microbiome%20produces%20a%20significant%20amount%20of%20serotonin (Accessed: 21 April 2025).

(No date a) Gut microbiota and its metabolites in depression: From pathogenesis to treatment - ebiomedicine. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(23)00092-0/fulltext (Accessed: 21 April 2025).

Taniya, M.A. et al. (2022) Role of gut microbiome in autism spectrum disorder and its therapeutic regulation, Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9355470/#:~:text=Role%20of%20Gut%20Microbiome%20in%20Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20and%20Its%20Therapeutic%20Regulation (Accessed: 21 April 2025).

Which is the Best: Tocotrienols Vitamin E or Tocopherols: Truth Revealed

Jul 22, 2025

Do you know about a nutrient that not only safeguards your cells against oxidative stress but also holds the key to supporting heart health and brain function and even provides radiant skin? We’re talking about Vitamin E. But which Vitamin E are we actually referring to?

Vitamin E isn’t just one nutrient; it’s a diverse group that includes two forms: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each of these has four molecules; alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Together, all eight make the Vitamin E family. The key point that you must know here is that-

Not all Vitamin E forms are created equal.

For a long time, Vitamin E tocotrienol has been an ignored member of the Vitamin E family. But thanks to Dr. Tan's groundbreaking work that illuminated the unique capabilities of tocotrienols, revealing them to be better than their cousin molecules, tocopherols.

Through this blog post, we’re going to uncover tocotrienols Vitamin E– the underrated heroes with remarkable health benefits that have the potential to be a game-changer for your health and vitality.

We’ve covered everything you should know about Vitamin E tocotrienols. Keep reading to learn why and how tocotrienols are better than tocopherols.

Vitamin E Does Not Work? Is That True?

For the past few years, there’s been much ruckus about Vitamin E's incapability to fulfill the health promises it claims. We want you to know that most Vitamin E products available in the market contain tocopherols. That means most of the negative claims about vitamin E are for tocopherols Vitamin E.

Does that mean tocopherols are not as good as people think them to be? That is true! But don’t take our words for it.

Dr. Barrie Tan's extensive research on pure Vitamin E proves this. Dr. Tan is the world’s foremost expert on vitamin E. His research has revealed how tocotrienols Vitamin E may significantly support heart health, enhance brain function, and even promote healthier, more resilient skin.

Based on Dr. Barrie Tan’s research and other studies, we’ve brought to you deep insight into the truth about Vitamin E, i.e the efficacy of tocotrienols over tocopherols.

How are Vitamin E Tocotrienols Vit E Better Than Tocopherols?

Vitamin E is known for its ability to shield cells from oxidative stress and enhance immune function. As discussed earlier, the Vitamin E family has two forms: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols Vitamin E, abundant in nuts, seeds, and oils, is well-known for these health benefits.

However, recent studies have highlighted tocotrienols as potentially superior antioxidants. It can penetrate cell membranes more efficiently, offering broader health benefits.

Find ahead what makes tocotrienols better.

Tocotrienols Have a Unique Molecular Structure

While tocopherols have long been recognized for their antioxidant properties, tocotrienols’ unique molecular structure sets them apart, potentially enhancing their health benefits. But what is distinctive about the structure?

Tocotrienol has a Smaller Head and a Shorter Tail

This unique structure allows tocotrienols to penetrate cells more effectively, providing powerful protection against harmful free radicals. Due to the smaller head, they can squeeze deeper into cell membranes that tocopherols fail to reach with their bigger heads.

The shorter tail facilitates them to move around the cell membranes 50 times faster (than tocopherols) aiding in killing the free radicals.

Also Read: 11 Reasons Why Tocotrienols are Vitamin E’ssential.

Ability to be Absorbed Better

Another feature of tocotrienols that makes them better is their bioavailability. These molecules have unsaturated tails with three double bonds, while tocopherols have a saturated tail. Tocotrienols can provide more lipid protection against oxidation. Simply put, tocotrienols are better able to be absorbed by tissues and cell membranes, increasing their therapeutic properties.

Enhanced Health Benefits

Tocotrienols have begun to gain the spotlight because of their potential health benefits. Their molecular structure and bioavailability boost their therapeutic potential.

Tocotrienols’ powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them potentially beneficial for supporting skin and brain health, helping maintain normal cholesterol levels, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Trusted review of Tocotrienols Vitamin E

The Tocotrienol Advantage: How It Outperforms Tocopherols?

Expecting that by now, it’s clear that tocotrienols offer more health benefits than tocopherols. Additionally, among the tocotrienol isomers,

Delta tocotrienols are the most potent

Followed by gamma tocotrienols.

So, it is wise to look for supplements that contain delta tocotrienols for better results.

Natural sources like palm, soybeans, and rice bran do contain tocotrienols, but in lower concentrations:

Palm oil contains only about 50% tocotrienols

Rice bran contains just 25%.

What’s more? Studies have shown that tocopherols can interfere with the absorption and function of tocotrienols, reducing their effectiveness.

In contrast, annatto stands out as a source that contains only delta and gamma tocotrienols, with no tocopherols, making it one of the most effective sources for supplementation. That’s why annatto-derived tocotrienol supplements offer a more concentrated and effective form of Vitamin E.

Also Read: How to Incorporate Vitamin E Tocotrienols in Your Daily Diet.

Choosing the Best Vitamin E Supplement

Your quest for the best vitamin E supplements ends with Wellness Extract’s annatto tocotrienols vitamin E. These are:

Annatto-derived, making them naturally rich in tocotrienols

Sourced from DeltaGold®, a patented technology that extracts tocotrienols exclusively from annatto seeds of the achiote tree

Free from tocopherols, ensuring maximum absorption and effectiveness

“WE” health supplements are:

100% natural and organic

Rich in Vitamin E tocotrienols that support overall wellness

Delivered in small, hermetically sealed softgels, which means no risk of oxidation and better shelf stability.

Check the numerous health benefits that WE Vitamin E tocotrienol supplements offer:

Health Benefits of Wellness Extract DeltaGold Vitamin E Tocotrienols

Also Read: 8 Key Qualities to Spot the Best Tocotrienol Supplement.

In the Conclusion

In the world of Vitamin E, tocotrienols appear to be superheroes. They offer myriad health benefits, including keeping your heart strong, supporting your brain's clarity, and protecting your skin from within.

Among the various forms and sources, annatto-derived tocotrienols stand out as the most potent, offering the best ratio of delta and gamma tocotrienols. By choosing Wellness Extract’s Annatto Tocotrienol Vitamin E, you’re getting a natural and highly effective supplement to enhance your overall vitality and wellness.

Elevate your health today with tocotrienols vitamin E, the powerful antioxidant that takes your wellness to the next level. Experience enhanced antioxidant protection, superior vitality, and overall improved health like never before.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been assessed by the FDA. The information contained within this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.

References:

EBSCOhost Research Starters. "Tocotrienols: Therapeutic Uses." Health and Medicine. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/tocotrienols-therapeutic-uses

Saud Gany, Siti Liyana, et al. "Preventative and therapeutic potential of tocotrienols on musculoskeletal diseases in ageing." Frontiers in Pharmacology 14 (2023): 1290721. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1290721/full

Guide to Whole Body Detoxification: Benefits, Methods, and Safety

Jul 22, 2025

The word bloating is slowly becoming a regular part of your life. Right? Whether it’s you, your colleagues, or your close ones, someone’s always mentioning it or dealing with it these days. But have you ever paused to think about why it’s becoming so common?

Well, the answer lies in how your lifestyle has evolved. Late-night parties, dinners at odd hours, and an overall shift in daily habits have become a norm.

You might be wondering, “What does your routine have to do with bloating?” Don’t worry. You’ll find that out here, and if you keep scrolling, you will also learn a simple step like a whole-body detox that might just be the reset your system needs.

Late Nights, Big Meals, & Bloating

Let’s understand what bloating means. Bloating is a common term used to describe a feeling of swelling or fullness in your belly. More commonly, it is the result of the buildup of gas, air & fluids in your intestines.

Now, let’s explore how your party lifestyle and eating at odd hours might have a role in this uncomfortable issue.

Eating late at night messes with your digestion because your body slows down at night. When you have big meals late, they sit around longer in your stomach, leading to gas and a bloated feeling.

Here’s how eating and drinking at parties can lead to bloating and affect the body’s natural detox mechanism:

Overeating
Party food usually means big portions loaded with rich, fatty, or sugary stuff. These foods are not easy to digest, making you feel stuffed and bloated afterward.

Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol, especially when you’re drinking at parties, can mess with your stomach. It irritates the intestinal lining, slows digestion, and can even dehydrate you.

Carbonated Drinks
All those fizzy drinks? They bring in extra gas, which just adds more pressure and bloating in your abdomen.

Food Intolerances
Party foods often contain hidden ingredients like dairy or gluten, which can easily trigger bloating and stomach discomfort if you're sensitive to them.

So, is there any way to get rid of this bloating and improve the body's detox system? Yes, there is! A few small changes in your routine can actually make a big difference.

Also Read: Vitamin E for Fatty Liver - How Much Vitamin E is Good for Your Liver?

6 Methods to Reduce Bloating & Improve the Whole-Body Detox System

Don’t worry, getting rid of bloating from your life and improving your body’s natural system is not rocket science. Follow these six simple methods to get the desired results. Let's explore them one by one:

Eat Smaller Portions

Do this: Try eating smaller meals instead of piling your plate high.

Why: When you eat too much at once, your stomach gets stretched and digestion slows down. That extra food can cause gas and discomfort. Keeping portions smaller makes it easier for your gut to do its job.

Cut Back on Gassy Foods

Do this: Reduce how often you eat beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions: at least for a while.

Why: These foods are healthy, but they’re also known to create more gas in your gut. If you’re feeling bloated, cutting back a bit can help you feel lighter.

Add Some Probiotics

Do this: Include foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut in your daily meals.

Why: These foods are packed with good bacteria that help your digestion run smoothly. A healthy gut means less gas and better detox support.

Skip Fizzy Drinks

Do this: Try to avoid sodas, sparkling water, and other bubbly drinks.

Why: All those bubbles can add extra air to your stomach, which gets trapped and makes you feel bloated. Flat drinks are a better bet if you want to feel lighter.

Sip Water Throughout the Day

Do this: Drink water in small amounts throughout the day instead of chugging large glasses at once.

Why: Staying hydrated helps your body flush out extra salt and waste. It also keeps things moving in your gut, so you don’t feel sluggish or puffy.

Walk It Out After Meals

Do this: Take a short walk after you eat: just 10–15 minutes will do.

Why: Gentle movement helps your digestion kick in and gets rid of trapped gas. It’s a simple way to support your body’s natural detox system.

Also Read: The Ultimate Athletic Hydration Showdown: Electrolytes Vs. Magnesium Vs. H2 Hydrogen Tablets

The steps above sound easy, but following them can go tough.

Why? Cutting down on tasty food or skipping fizzy drinks can ruin the party mood. That’s why so many people end up struggling with bloating issues. According to a study, almost one in seven Americans feels bloated at least once a week.

This raises a crucial question: What are some easier alternatives you can stick to and still get relief from bloating and improve your detox mechanism? Well, lately, wellness supplements with humic and fulvic acids have been getting a lot of attention. They’re known to support whole-body detox and can really help ease bloating in a simple, effective way. These have been used for many years in traditional medicine systems.

However, here, let’s understand how these two can actually help with your bloating issues.

Humic and Fulvic Acids: The Wellness Dose You Might Need

While there isn’t much direct research on humic and fulvic acids for bloating, some studies suggest they can support gut health and lower inflammation, which can indirectly help ease bloating over time.

Here’s What the Research Reveals

Swidsinski A et al., 2017 examined whether humic acids could affect the gut bacteria in the colon of healthy people. They found:

Humic acid supplements significantly increased the amount of gut bacteria by 20% after 10 days and by 30% by day 31

The overall balance and diversity of gut bacteria remained stable

Good to know!

A healthy colon is key to overall wellness; it keeps your whole body, including the detox system, in balance. Supporting gut health can help with issues like bloating and may prevent future digestive troubles.

Additionally, a review article discusses the potential of fulvic acids and sheds light on many of their beneficial properties:

It can help fight harmful free radicals, which result in aging and cell damage.

It may reduce inflammation in the body, especially in the gut.

It may support overall gut health and improve digestion.

Animal studies show it can boost natural antioxidants and may protect the cells from damage.

It may improve nutrient absorption and help balance the gut microbiome.

Safety of Fulvic and Humic Acids

Fulvic and humic acids have a strong safety profile with no known side effects. Naturally present in all soils, they are substances to which humans and animals are regularly exposed. These acids have also been safely used in industrial settings to manage heavy metal exposure in both humans and animals. However, it is important to take fulvic and humic acid-related supplements under professional guidance.

Also Read: Humic and Fulvic Acids

Since gut issues and inflammation are common triggers for bloating, fulvic acid may also help. While these two compounds show great promise, more focused research is still needed to clearly confirm how well they work for managing bloating directly.

However, make sure to consult with your healthcare professionals before incorporating these substances into your routine. When used as recommended, these can be very helpful in promoting whole-body detox. They can help replenish electrolytes, support faster waste elimination from the body, and may help with your bloating issues.

Conclusion

Bloating has become a common issue in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, often triggered by late-night meals, unhealthy eating habits, and poor gut health. While small changes like eating lighter, avoiding fizzy drinks, and adding probiotics can make a big difference, they’re not always easy to stick to. That’s where natural wellness supplements like humic and fulvic acids come in.

They’ve shown a potential to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and aid the whole-body detox system, factors that can help relieve bloating over time. While more research is still needed to confirm their direct impact on bloating, early results are promising.

If you're looking for a natural way to support your digestion, these could be worth exploring. Just remember to talk to your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.

One-line takeaway: Support gut health with fulvic and humic acids to aid natural detox and maintain digestive comfort.

Disclaimer: The FDA has not assessed these statements. The information contained within this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.

References

Cassata, C. (2024) 'How to avoid feeling bloated after holiday meals: 5 easy tips,' Healthline, 23 December. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/avoid-holiday-bloat-tips#Recognize-your-triggers.

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms (no date). https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/bloating.

Swidsinski, A. et al. (2017) 'Impact of humic acids on the colonic microbiome in healthy volunteers,' World Journal of Gastroenterology, 23(5), p. 885. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v23.i5.885.

Zhang, Y. et al. (2020) 'Synergistic extraction and characterization of fulvic acid by microwave and hydrogen Peroxide–Glacial acetic acid to oxidize Low-Rank lignite,' ACS Omega, 5(12), pp. 6389–6394. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.9b03796.