Gut Brain Connection

Gut Brain Connection: How Digestion Affects Anxiety, Depression, and Brain Fog

Do you struggle with brain fog, low mood, or anxiety that never seems to improve no matter how much rest you get? The answer may not be just in your head, it may start in your gut. Modern research shows that the gut brain connection is a powerful communication system linking your digestive health with your brain function and emotional well being. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, our integrative approach blends functional medicine, neurofeedback, acupuncture, and advanced therapies like Frequency Specific Microcurrent to help patients restore clarity, balance, and energy.

What Is the Gut Brain Connection

The gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, hormones, neurotransmitters, and the immune system. This two way street means that what happens in your digestive tract can directly affect how your brain works.

• Gut microbes produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood and motivation.

• Inflammation in the gut can send stress signals to the brain, worsening anxiety or brain fog.

• Leaky gut may allow toxins or immune triggers into the bloodstream, fueling brain inflammation.

Dr. Tom O’Bryan, a leading expert on gluten sensitivity and autoimmunity, often explains that “when the gut is inflamed, the brain is inflamed.” He emphasizes that repairing gut integrity is the first step in restoring brain health.
Source: TheDr.com https://thedr.com

Dr. Jeffrey Bland, often referred to as the father of functional medicine, has said: “The gut and the brain are inextricably linked through complex signaling pathways.” His work highlights that treating one without addressing the other leaves patients at risk of persistent symptoms.
Source: Jeffrey Bland https://jeffreybland.com

Dr. Mark Hyman, a best selling author and functional medicine physician, reminds us that “food is not just calories, it is information. What you eat directly programs your biology, including your brain.”
Source: Dr. Mark Hyman https://drhyman.com

Research confirms these connections. Studies show that gut microbiome imbalance contributes to mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Source: National Institutes of Health https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/

Symptoms of Gut Brain Imbalance

Because the gut brain axis affects both digestion and mood, symptoms can show up in surprising ways

• Brain fog and poor focus

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Depression or low mood

• Insomnia or restless sleep

• Cravings for sugar or processed foods

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea

• Chronic fatigue or low motivation

How We Support the Gut Brain Axis

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we know that true healing means addressing both the gut and the brain. Our care model blends multiple therapies into a personalized plan for each patient.

Functional Medicine
Functional medicine looks beyond symptoms and investigates how gut health affects neurotransmitter production, hormone balance, and brain signaling. About 90 percent of serotonin, the feel good neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. Dopamine, GABA, and other brain chemicals are also influenced by the gut microbiome. When the digestive system is inflamed or imbalanced, the brain often feels it through mood changes, brain fog, poor sleep, and increased anxiety.

Through advanced stool testing, food sensitivity testing, and hormone analysis, we identify what is disrupting the gut brain connection. Common findings include nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress impacting cortisol, and imbalances in gut bacteria that alter neurotransmitter production. With targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies, functional medicine works to restore balance so your gut can once again support a healthy and resilient brain.

Neurofeedback
Stress, anxiety, and brain fog often result from dysregulated brainwave patterns. Neurofeedback retrains the brain, helping it return to healthier states of balance and calm. When combined with gut healing, this supports clearer thinking, emotional stability, and better sleep.

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)
FSM is a gentle, non invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, calms the nervous system, and supports vagus nerve function, the very nerve that connects the gut to the brain. By regulating this pathway, FSM enhances digestion and brain function simultaneously.

Acupuncture
An evidence based therapy used for thousands of years, acupuncture helps regulate digestion, reduce stress, and restore nervous system balance. It is especially effective in calming the fight or flight response that often worsens IBS, anxiety, and fatigue.

Together, these therapies address both sides of the gut brain connection, giving you the tools to heal from the inside out.

Why Choose Functional Medicine in Saint Paul

Healing the gut brain connection requires time, careful testing, and personalized support. At our clinic, we provide a calm and welcoming environment where every patient receives one on one attention. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, brain fog, IBS, or unexplained fatigue, our integrative approach gives you a clear path toward lasting wellness.

Meet Dr. Shannon O’Keefe

Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, DC, DCBCN, is a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a graduate of an Internal Medicine program. She specializes in functional medicine and clinical nutrition, helping patients uncover the root causes of chronic health concerns such as fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune conditions. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Dr. O’Keefe combines advanced diagnostic testing with personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies to guide patients toward lasting health and vitality.

Meet Dr. Janell Matz

Dr. Janell Matz, DC, DCBCN, is a Chiropractic Physician, Myofascial and Neuromuscular Specialist, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, and Clinical Nutritionist. She has advanced training in functional neurology and specializes in treating concussions, headaches, dizziness, balance problems, chronic pain, and soft tissue injuries. Dr. Matz is highly skilled in Frequency Specific Microcurrent, lumbar flexion distraction, acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, and cold laser treatments. She provides personalized, hands on care in a calm and welcoming environment to help patients heal, recover, and thrive.

Contact Us
O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
651 292 8072
www.improveurhealth.com