The connection between physical health and mental well-being is increasingly becoming an important part of conversations around healthcare. While people often think of the gut as an organ responsible for digestion, its role goes much further. The gut communicates continuously with the brain, influencing several bodily functions, including mood, emotional responses and the body’s reaction to stress.
This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, works both ways. While an unhealthy gut can affect mental well-being, prolonged stress and emotional distress can also disrupt the gut microbiome and digestive functions. This means that what a person eats, how well they sleep and how they respond to everyday situations can all play a role in their overall health.
Speaking at the India Today HealthWealth Summit 2026, gastroenterologist Dr Ashwini Chopra and transformational life coach and speaker Rasik Chopra discussed the relationship between gut health and mental well-being. The father-son duo explained how the gut and brain communicate, why emotional health matters for digestion and how small lifestyle changes can support a healthier mind and body.
WHAT IS THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS?
Explaining the science behind the gut-brain connection, Dr Ashwini Chopra said the gut and brain are linked through a communication network that allows them to exchange signals.
He explained that the autonomic nervous system has different components, including the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which supports rest and digestion. The enteric nervous system, often called the gut brain, is another important part of this network.
According to Dr Chopra, the gut and brain communicate through a two-way pathway involving the vagus nerve. Signals travel in both directions, allowing the brain to influence digestive activity and the gut to send information to the brain.
He also highlighted the role of the gut microbiome, which consists of helpful bacteria that support digestion, produce vitamins and nutrients, and help protect the body against harmful substances.
Dr Chopra explained that the gut has an extensive nervous system, with connections to brain centres associated with mood, motivation, fear and self-awareness.
STRESS CAN DISRUPT YOUR GUT HEALTH
The gut-brain connection also explains why emotional stress can affect digestion.
Dr Chopra said that when a person experiences stress, the brain triggers the release of stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline. These signals can affect the gut microbiome and disturb the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.
Similarly, an unhealthy gut can influence the brain by affecting the communication pathways involved in emotional and physical responses.
Rasik Chopra explained that stress is not just about what happens around a person but also about how they process and respond to those experiences.
He said two people can experience the same situation but react differently depending on what they choose to focus on.
According to him, people often cannot control external circumstances, but they can work on changing their internal responses. Practising optimism and focusing on what can be done instead of what is missing can gradually change how a person experiences difficult situations.
EMOTIONAL EATING AND THE GUT MICROBIOME
The discussion also highlighted how emotional eating can become a repeated habit.
Dr Chopra explained that the gut plays an important role in producing several chemical messengers associated with mood and emotional responses. He mentioned serotonin, dopamine, GABA and oxytocin while discussing the relationship between the gut and brain.
He said an imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can affect these communication pathways. Factors such as antibiotics, painkillers, environmental exposures and prolonged stress may also influence the gut microbiome.
When a person is stressed, changes in the gut environment may contribute to cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods.
Discussing the common habit of reaching for ice cream or other comfort foods after a difficult day, Rasik said people should avoid attaching moral labels to food choices.
He suggested deciding in advance what kind of lifestyle one wants to follow rather than constantly negotiating with food cravings.
He also spoke about the 80:20 approach, which allows people to follow healthy habits most of the time while leaving room for occasional indulgences.
CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES CAN SHAPE OUR MENTAL HEALTH
The speakers also discussed how childhood experiences can influence adult behaviour and emotional responses.
Rasik said experiences during childhood can become part of the beliefs and patterns people carry into adulthood. However, he emphasised that individuals can choose how they interpret their past.
He explained that blaming childhood experiences or parents for present difficulties may prevent people from recognising their ability to change.
According to him, building self-esteem involves doing difficult things, learning from experiences and developing the confidence to move forward.
He added that people often seek approval from others because they are wired to seek acceptance. However, learning to give appreciation and make others feel valued can help shift this pattern.
DO PROBIOTIC DRINKS AND DETOX TEAS REALLY HELP?
The discussion also addressed popular gut-health trends, including probiotic supplements, prebiotic capsules, kombucha, detox teas and gut-healing gummies.
Dr Chopra emphasised that gut health should not be approached through random supplements or quick fixes. Instead, he recommended focusing on overall lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, sleep and emotional well-being.
He described homemade curd and other fermented foods as beneficial for gut health, while cautioning that some commercially available kombucha products may contain added sugar and colouring agents.
He also discussed isabgol, a soluble fibre that can support digestion and act as a prebiotic. However, he stressed that the quantity should depend on an individual’s digestive health and needs.
On gut-healing gummies and detox teas, he expressed a preference for natural food sources over products containing unnecessary additives.
Dr Chopra also said stool tests can help doctors understand gut imbalances, identify different bacteria and assess digestive function.
A HEALTHY MIND REQUIRES PRACTICE
Concluding the discussion, Rasik shared that a healthy mind is one that allows people to think, feel and act in ways that support the life they want to lead.
He suggested three areas to work on: training the mind to think more constructively, learning to manage emotions and consistently taking actions that align with personal goals.
Both speakers emphasised that gut health and mental well-being cannot be viewed in isolation. A combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and emotional awareness can contribute to overall well-being.
Watch the HealthWealth Summit LIVE here:
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