“Belly Fix” Eases Anxiety WITHOUT Drugs
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 19, 2025
If mainstream medicine excels at one thing, it’s having a drug (or ten) to treat anything that ails you.
So, it’s no surprise that the moment you mention feeling anxious, your doctor hands you a prescription.
Well, hold onto your wallet for now.
Because a new study just uncovered something that’s giving Big Pharma some anxiety itself.
It turns out your gut could hold the key to restoring calm… no drugs required.
If you’re suspicious of the “better living through chemistry” approach to anxiety, your instincts are spot on. Because, while the medical establishment keeps pushing pills, scientists have quietly uncovered an anxiety-fighting secret hidden in your gut.
The mouse study, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, reveals that chemicals produced by belly bacteria directly influence brain activity by reducing activity in the basolateral amygdala (a key brain region involved in processing emotionally significant events and regulating anxiety) leading to less anxiety-related behavior.
These beneficial microbes naturally produce indole compounds that travel through your bloodstream and interact with specific pathways in your brain to regulate anxiety levels.
That’s right—there’s emerging evidence that your own body is equipped with a built-in anxiety management system all along, no prescription required!
It’s also no surprise that this research isn’t making headlines. As usual, this cutting-edge science is being conveniently overlooked by those with deep pockets and even deeper agendas. After all, anxiety medications rake in billions yearly.
More research is needed to develop specific indole-boosting probiotic treatments. And the study needs to be recreated in humans.
But you can put this discovery to use immediately by supporting the communication between your gut and brain (gut-brain axis):
- Fill your plate with fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt.
- Feed your beneficial gut bacteria with more soluble fiber-rich foods such as apples, beans, and walnuts.
- Ditch processed foods and added sugars that disrupt your microbiome and create inflammation.
- Invest in a high-quality probiotic supplement containing diverse bacterial strains—especially those known to produce indoles (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Clostridium sporogenes).
Remember, your body possesses incredible healing capabilities that a laboratory can’t replicate. This research proves once again that nature is usually superior.
There’s a time and place for medications, and for some anxiety medications may be the right fit. But why not start by supporting your body’s natural processes instead of overriding them with synthetic drugs?
When you do, you’ll not just be managing anxiety—you’ll be reclaiming authority over your own health from an industry that profits from your dependency. Get started with one fermented food this week.
P.S. Science reveals that late-night anxiety is REAL. (Here’s the fix.)
Source:
Weonjin Yu, Yixin Xiao, Anusha Jayaraman, Yi-Chun Yen, Microbial metabolites tune amygdala neuronal hyperexcitability and anxiety-linked behaviors, EMBO Mol Med (2025)17: 249 – 264
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...