What Is My Brain Trying To Tell Me?

Written by Rupali Lal, Functional Nutritionist Specialising in Gut Health

Rupali is a holistic health practitioner who knows there are no magic pills or 'one-size-fits-all' solutions in healthcare. A registered New Zealand pharmacist, she runs her virtual clinic, Pause.Breathe.Live, focusing on Functional Nutritional Therapy. Specializing in gut health, she offers functional testing to guide clients toward true healing.

You may have read a bit about the gut-brain connection in my article on “leaky gut”. Traditionally (and even today depending on where you are), the gut (gastrointestinal system) and brain (central nervous system) are thought of as entirely separate systems, each with its own functions, causes, and treatments. However, research reveals a powerful link between the two—what happens in the gut can profoundly impact the brain. Here is a simplistic overview.

Brain shaped white jigsaw puzzle with copy space on orange background

If you’re someone who’s been told that “everything looks fine” or that your symptoms are “all in your head,” this connection might provide answers. It turns out it really could be in your head, and in your gut, too.

Connection between gut and brain

Just like the intestinal wall has a barrier, the brain has the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Inflammation and physiological stressors can disrupt the BBB, making it less selective.

According to Chae et al. (2024), "a leaky gut may be one of the fundamental causes associated with the breakdown of the BBB, and conditions like hypoxia and inflammation are known to increase the intercellular permeability of the BBB". ¹

Gut microbiota help maintain the "tight junctions" between cells in the intestinal lining, which act like seals to prevent unwanted substances from passing through. ² Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, can lead to harmful bacteria producing substances like LPS that trigger immune cells to release cytokines. These cytokines can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence brain function, affecting mood and behavior. The gut also impacts the blood-brain barrier by releasing hormones and allowing certain drugs and molecules to pass through, which can further influence immune responses. ¹

Diagram illustrating the differences between gut health states

Figure: An overview of the complex mechanisms that link the gut microbiota with the brain. ³

Gut microbiota and neuro-psychiatric conditions

The gut microbiota is implicated in the development of various neuro-psychiatric disorders, including ², ³

Parkinson’s disease
Autism spectrum disorder
Chronic pain
Disorders of mood and affect

Additionally, dysbiosis and leaky gut are now recognized features of rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma and other systemic conditions both inflammatory and otherwise. ²

I don’t have digestive symptoms – Do I need to address gut health?

Absolutely! Gut health is the place to start even if you don’t have overt symptoms. Often, when talking to clients, we discover that they do have symptoms but think they’re normal because these symptoms are so common among friends and family.

I’ve been navigating this for too long—where do I start?

Let’s have a chat to determine your starting point. My passion is to empower clients, so we address root causes and meet them where they’re at in their health journey. Sometimes we start with foundational work using the RESTART® program, while other times we go straight into functional gut testing. Here are some client cases where we have started with the RESTART® program:

Client case 1: Digestive symptoms resolved

Client had an endoscopy that showed no issues, but her symptoms included urgent stools, bloating, abdominal pain, mood swings, and poor-quality sleep. Initially skeptical, she joined my one-on-one, 5-week RESTART® program. Through weekly online meetings, a 3-week real food challenge, and education on digestion, blood sugar, inflammation, and fats, she transformed completely. Her friend even remarked, 'the difference is like day and night’. Without any supplements, we achieved truly amazing results!

Client case 2: Bipolar disorder and gut health

This client experienced bipolar disorder, and her medications weren’t working effectively. Upon her psychiatrist’s suggestion to consider dietary changes, she reached out. Starting with the foundational RESTART® program, she soon felt the impact of food on her mood—an empowering transformation that paved the way for deeper healing.

Ready to start your gut-brain healing journey?

As you consider your next steps, remember: “Any pathology that affects either the gut microbiota or the brain does not occur in isolation but rather impacts both systems”. ³ Taking steps to support your gut health could be a crucial piece in supporting your overall mental well-being.

Reach out on your preferred platform and schedule a consultation with me today!

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Read more from Rupali Lal

Rupali Lal, Functional Nutritionist Specialising in Gut Health

Rupali is a holistic health practitioner dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal well-being. Her health journey began in pharmacy school with digestive dysfunction. Despite using fiber supplements and probiotics, lasting relief eluded her. A decade later, studying Functional Nutritional Therapy, she realized she had 'normalized her symptoms' and learned 'just because it is common, doesn’t mean it is normal.' Respecting both conventional pharmacy and functional nutrition, Rupali works holistically with clients facing similar challenges. Specializing in functional gut and hormone testing, she meets clients where they are, creating personalized plans to address their unique needs.

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