Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 5, 2025
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human.
You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that.
A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings.
New research suggests that this simple strategy could be a powerful tool in our mental health toolkit.
Let’s shed some light on this fascinating research…
I’ve mentioned the connection between gut health and overall wellness many times before.
The bacteria in your gut influence hormone levels and can either support or disrupt various bodily functions. So, it’s no surprise they’re tied to a laundry list of health issues ranging from high blood pressure to depression.
Now, a team of scientists has taken a deeper dive into how probiotics impact our mental health.
The study, published in npj Mental Health Research, found that daily probiotics containing common bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, for just one month can significantly reduce negative feelings.
Wondering how the gut bacteria could possibly affect your mood? That’s a great question.
Well, it turns out our gut and brain are constantly chatting through what scientists call the “gut-brain connection.” This “conversation” happens through various routes, including the vagus nerve, immune system, and hormones.
When you take probiotics, you’re essentially sending in the good bacteria cavalry to restore order to your gut kingdom. These microscopic heroes influence your brain’s function through this gut-brain superhighway.
It’s like having tiny therapists living in your intestines, working overtime to improve your mood—for the cost of a yogurt instead of $200 an hour.
This research underscores what I’ve been saying for years: your gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s also a major player in your mental well-being.
To improve your gut health, and potentially boost your mood, start here:
- Add fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut to your diet
- Choose probiotic supplements containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
- Eat more fiber-rich foods to feed your good gut bacteria
- Cut back on processed foods and added sugars, which feed the bad bugs
- Stay hydrated to keep your digestive system running smoothly
Remember, while managing your gut health is a promising strategy for mood enhancement, it’s not a silver bullet. If you’re struggling with persistent negative feelings or depression, it’s crucial to seek professional help.
P.S. Is your gut “good”? Here’s how to check…
Source:
Johnson, K.VA., Steenbergen, L. Probiotics reduce negative mood over time: the value of daily self-reports in detecting effects. npj Mental Health Res 4, 10 (2025). DOI:10.1038/s44184-025-00123-z
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
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...