Key to health is having a happy stomach

A “happy stomach” really does sit at the center of overall health: good gut function and a diverse microbiome support digestion, immunity, and even mood.clevelandclinic+2​

Why gut health matters

• The gut microbiome helps break down food, make vitamins, and keep harmful microbes in check, which supports healthy digestion and metabolism.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2​

• Around 70% of immune tissue is located in the gut, so gut health strongly influences how well the body fights infections and may be linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease and some cancers.betterhealth+1​

Gut and mood connection

• Gut bacteria communicate with the brain via the “gut–brain axis,” influencing stress responses, mood, and cognitive function.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2​

• Studies associate more diverse gut microbiota with lower anxiety and depression scores, and ongoing research is exploring microbiome-based approaches to mood disorders.sciencedirect+2​

Daily habits for a happy gut

• Eat a varied, plant-rich diet with plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains to nourish beneficial microbes.cdhf+5​

• Include fermented or probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha, and limit ultra-processed, high-sugar, and very fatty foods that can disrupt gut balance.uchealth+5​

Other factors beyond food

• Eating slowly, managing stress, getting regular sleep, and being physically active all support better gut function and microbial balance.ama-assn+3​

• If you have persistent symptoms like pain, bloating, or altered bowel habits, it can signal disorders such as IBS or IBD, and medical assessment is important.healthline+2​

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health
3. https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-improving-gut-health
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425030/
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health
6. https://www.uchealth.org/today/improving-gut-health-improves-all-aspects-of-your-health/
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10055576/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6469458/
9. https://cdhf.ca/en/the-connection-between-gut-mood-and-behaviour/
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006322323015329
11. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02633-4
12. https://cdhf.ca/en/top-tips-for-gut-health/
13. https://www.healthline.com/health/gut-health
14. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/digestive-health/good-foods-to-help-your-digestion/
15. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/7-reasons-to-listen-to-your-gut
16. https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/nurturing-your-gut-brain-connection-for-whole-body-health
17. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290821/7-day-meal-plan-for-a-healthy-gut-1200-calories/
18. https://emersonhealth.org/11-foods-for-gut-health-and-recipes/
19. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-how-gut-health-affects-whole-body
20. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230120-how-gut-bacteria-are-controlling-your-brain