The Gut Health and Mental Health Connection: How to Boost Your Overall Well-Being Without Micromanaging Your Gut Microbiome

Thrive • November 24, 2021
By Thrive Sacramento’s Registered Dietitian Supervisor Kailey Cunningham, MS, RDN, CD

WHAT IS GUT HEALTH?

While the term “gut” can refer to many parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, “gut health” refers specifically to the balance of bacteria in the large intestine. To be considered healthy, the large intestine should include a balance of both “good” and “bad” bacteria — also known as gut flora. The “good” bacteria feed on fiber while the “bad” bacteria feed on simple sugars, producing vital compounds like vitamin K and biotin. These compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream directly from the large intestine. Without a healthy balance of bacteria in the large intestine, the production of these vital compounds can be compromised and the entire body can consequently suffer. Achieving a healthy balance of gut flora begins with nourishing your body adequately and consistently with a wide array of foods.

EATING DISORDERS AND GUT HEALTH

Typically, individuals dealing with eating disorders don’t fuel their bodies adequately or consistently. They also tend to limit the variety of foods in their diet. As a result, they don’t have the necessary balance of gut flora. Without both “good” and “bad” bacteria, their bodies can’t function properly. 

People experiencing eating disorders often have GI issues such as:

  • Gastric reflux (heartburn)
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Cramping
  • Early satiety (feeling full fast)
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Slow gastric motility (slow movement of food through the digestive system)

Eating Disorders and Slowed Enzyme Production

One effect of an imbalance in gut flora is slowed enzyme production. Specific enzymes are involved in breaking down foods. If an individual isn’t eating the foods that require those enzymes for digestion, the body slows down the production of that enzyme. 

For example, people who typically avoid eating dairy products may experience an upset stomach when they do eat dairy products – not because they are lactose intolerant, but because they lack the necessary enzyme to break down the sugar in dairy products. 

Slowed enzyme production is especially prevalent in individuals struggling with eating disorders. When a person is struggling with an eating disorder, they are typically undernourished. Without the fuel necessary for proper functioning, their body preserves as much energy as possible. One way the body conserves energy is by slowing its enzyme production, which can contribute to the GI issues listed above.

Dangerous Clinical Misconceptions Around Eating Disorders and Gut Health

Often, clinicians who lack experience treating clients with eating disorders refer these clients to gastroenterologists, who specialize in treating digestive conditions, or naturopaths, who rely on natural remedies to support the body’s healing. Many times, these specialists place individuals with eating disorders on elimination diets, intending to discover the food that is causing their digestive problems. Unfortunately, elimination diets risk worsening the person’s eating disorder behavior, imbalance of gut flora, and digestive issues.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GUT HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH

In recent years, researchers have discovered more connections between gut health and mental health. As Harvard Health Publishing put it, “The gut-brain connection is no joke; it can link anxiety to stomach problems and vice versa.” 

We as humans seem to be intuitively aware that our mental-emotional state can impact our GI system. For example, we describe feelings of excitement and anxiety as butterflies in our tummy, anger and fear as knots in our stomach, and intense situations as gut-wrenching experiences.

On a more technical level, our gut and brain are constantly communicating through a variety of bodily processes. The enteric nervous system (ENS) of our gut is interconnected with our central nervous system (CNS), so the gut and brain are able to use intricate neural pathways to send messages to each other. Additionally, the gut and brain use hormones and the immune system to communicate with each other. 

Because of this intertwining relationship between the gut and brain, if your digestive system isn’t functioning properly, your mental health can also suffer, causing conditions like depression and hopelessness to manifest or worsen. Alternatively, if someone is anxious about eating, an upset stomach can result from the anxiety, not the food. 

HOW TO PRACTICE GOOD GUT HEALTH

While societal messaging has made practicing gut health seem complex, time-consuming, and even invasive, you can promote a healthy gut by embracing three simple principles.

The three basic principles of practicing good gut health are:

  1. Eat enough food. 
  2. Eat consistently.
  3. Include a wide variety of foods from different food groups in your diet.

Balance Your Diet With Prebiotics and Probiotics

When diversifying your diet, try to incorporate foods that contain natural sources of prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics and probiotics are compounds in foods that promote a balance of “good” and “bad” gut bacteria.  

Prebiotics induce the growth of bacteria. These compounds are found in fiber-rich foods such as: 

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains 
  • Legumes 

Probiotics are bacteria found in fermented foods, including: 

  • Yogurt
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Sourdough bread 
  • Some kinds of cheeses (including swiss, provolone, Gouda, cheddar, Gruyère, and cottage cheese)

Don’t Be Enticed by Gut Health Fads

As collective interest in gut health has heightened in recent years, misleading claims about ways to care for your GI system have also risen in prevalence. Be wary of gut health fads, such as:

  • Overpriced prebiotic and probiotic supplements.
  • Home testing kits to evaluate your gut flora.
  • Detox kits claiming to “reset” or “cleanse” your microbiome.
  • “Gut health hacks” that encourage you to avoid many foods.
  • Harmful practices such as fasting with the intention of “allowing your gut time to rest.”

Opt For Intuitive Eating To Promote a Healthy Gut

Instead of being tempted to engage in trends claiming to boost your gut health (most of which are propagated by the diet industry), stay true to the three principles above. As you practice eating a variety of foods that fuel your body adequately and consistently, be mindful of the food combinations that make your body feel best and adjust your diet accordingly.

“Honor your health [with] gentle nutrition” is the tenth principle of intuitive eating as set forth by IntuitiveEating.org . In other words, you do not need to micromanage your microbiome. As you become more adept at interpreting your body’s internal cues, you will likely notice that you’re drawn to foods that support flourishing and balanced gut health.

NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE AND EATING DISORDER TREATMENT AT THRIVE

Thrive’s team of nutritionists, therapists, psychiatrists, and primary care specialists are well-versed in nourishing the body and mind. In addition to outpatient therapy , Thrive offers nutritional guidance and eating disorder treatment . Reach out to us to learn more. 

About the Author
Thrive Sacramento’s Registered Dietitian Supervisor Kailey Cunningham, MS, RDN, CD

Kailey Cunningham, MS, RDN, CD, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who obtained a Master’s of Dietetics degree from the University of Kentucky after completing both her undergraduate studies in dietetics and accredited dietetic internship at the same university.

She has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist since February of 2013 and has been working in the eating disorder field since 2015. Kailey has experience treating clients at many levels of care, from partial hospitalization programming to outpatient, with a variety of diagnoses including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, ARFID and OSFED.

She began working at The Emily Program in Lacey, Washington for three years where she acted as the full-time programming dietitian. While in this position, she worked directly with a lead therapist to develop an adolescent treatment track implementing elements of Family-Based Treatment and gaining invaluable experience working with adolescents and their parents. She then worked at Center for Discovery in Tacoma, Washington while building her nutrition counseling private practice. She began her successful practice in April of 2018 and moved it with her from Olympia, Washington to Rocklin, California in October 2020. Kailey is excited to now be a part of the Sacramento Thrive Wellness team providing support for adult and adolescent clients in intensive outpatient and outpatient levels of care.

Kailey’s primary motivator and true passion is supporting others on their journey to a more peaceful and balanced relationship with food and their bodies. Through individualized nutrition counseling and education, she helps those struggling with eating disorder behaviors, body image issues, food aversion and health anxieties find what is right for them while leaving diet culture behind.

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

July 17, 2025
As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.
June 27, 2025
How school breaks can mask or amplify eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD symptoms and how to intervene
June 4, 2025
Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.
More Posts

Start your healing journey today

NEXT STEPS

Are you ready to find hope? We can't wait to connect you with the care you need. To get started with us, please reach out using the link below.   

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →