What if anxiety, mood swings, and low resilience aren’t starting in your mind—but in your gut? In this episode of the Choose 2 Think Inspirational Podcast, host Victoria welcomes Gabe Dough, serial entrepreneur and gut health expert from Good Bru, for a powerful conversation on the brain–gut connection and why the microbiome plays a primary role in mental, emotional, and physical health. Gabe explains why the gut is often called the “second brain,” detailing how its vast network of neurons and its communication with the brain through the vagus nerve influence mood, cognitive function, stress response, and overall nervous system health. Together, Victoria and Gabe unpack how the microbiome helps produce key neurotransmitters like serotonin, regulates inflammation, and impacts digestion, immunity, and hormone balance. Throughout the episode, Gabe shares practical insights on how everyday lifestyle choices—especially diet, fiber intake, exercise, and stress—shape the health of the gut microbiome. He also clarifies the difference between helpful and harmful fibers, explains the role of prebiotics and probiotics, and highlights why many people experience worsened symptoms when gut health is overlooked. The conversation concludes with five practical actions listeners can take to begin supporting their gut health immediately, reinforcing a holistic, whole-body approach to wellness. This episode is a clear reminder that when we care for the gut, we support the brain—and when we support the brain, we strengthen the entire body. The gut functions as a “second brain,” influencing mood, cognition, and emotional regulation Serotonin is primarily produced in the gut and plays a major role in mental well-being Gut dysbiosis can increase inflammation, anxiety, and stress sensitivity Lifestyle choices—diet, fiber, exercise, and stress—directly affect the microbiome Supporting gut health is essential for holistic mental and physical wellness 00:00 Introduction to the Brain–Gut Connection15:04 How Gut Health Impacts Mental Health20:45 Dysbiosis and Its Consequences26:22 Gut Health and Chronic Disease31:03 Holistic Health: The Body–Mind Connection42:35 Prebiotics vs. Probiotics Explained49:22 Introducing GoodBru and Gut Support54:15 Outro Visit www.goodbru.com and use the promo code CHOOSE2THINK for 10% off your first order! CONNECT WITH VICTORIA: PODCAST WEBSITE: www.choose2thinkpodcast.com MINISTRY WEBSITE: www.choose2think.co FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/groups/choose2think INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/victoriadwalkerlydon/ EMAIL: choose2think@gmail.com *BOOKS: CHOOSE 2 THINK 365-DAY DEVOTIONAL: https://amzn.to/3Hcl7v1 CHOOSE 2 THINK JOURNAL: https://amzn.to/3Hcl7v1Pickleball Passion A Marriage Devotional: 21 Days to a Stronger Connection on and off the Court https://amzn.to/48wnvaV *When you click on these Amazon affiliate links, I may earn a teeny commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! DISCLAIMER: Choose 2 Think: A Christian Podcast on Neuroscience, Mindset, Thoughts, and Emotional Health is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your physician or doctor for all medical advice and counsel. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/victoria-d-lydon/message SUPPORT CHOOSE 2 THINK MINISTRIES AND PODCAST HERE: PATREON: Patreon.com/Choose2Think
