Have you ever felt “butterflies” in your stomach before a big event? Or noticed your appetite change when you’re stressed or anxious? That’s your gut and brain talking—and it’s more than just a feeling.
At Currumbin Clinic, we’re seeing growing awareness around the gut–brain axis—a powerful communication system between your digestive system and your brain. And thanks to emerging research, we now know that what you eat can directly affect your mood, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.
Your brain and gut are connected by a long nerve called the vagus nerve, which acts like a two-way street for messages. This connection helps regulate everything from mood and memory to sleep and digestion.
Inside your gut, trillions of tiny organisms—known as your gut microbiome—play a key role in producing chemicals like serotonin and GABA, which help regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. In fact, up to 90% of serotonin is made in the gut!
When your gut is healthy, these chemicals are produced in balance. But when your gut is out of sync—due to poor diet, stress, or illness—it can affect your mental wellbeing.
Mental health conditions affect 42.9% of Australians aged 16–85 at some point in their lives, with 21% experiencing a condition each year. Anxiety is the most common, impacting 17.2%, followed by depression at 7.5%. These conditions cost the economy over $70 billion annually in lost productivity, and another $150 billion in early mortality and disability.
That’s why it’s so important to look at modifiable lifestyle factors—like diet—that can support mental health.
Australian research shows that diet quality is closely linked to mental health. Here are some key findings:
Your gut microbiome includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi that help digest food, produce mood-regulating chemicals, and support your immune system. When you eat a diet rich in fibre, whole foods, and fermented foods, you help these microbes thrive.
On the flip side, diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats can disrupt your gut microbiota and increase inflammation—both of which are linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing foods from the five core food groups:
Avoiding ultra-processed foods—like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and instant meals—can help reduce inflammation and support a healthier gut environment.
At Currumbin Clinic, our Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are part of the mental health care team. They work closely with patients to:
The Dietitians Australia Mental Health Evidence Brief (2024) highlights the vital role dietitians play in prevention, treatment, and recovery from mental health conditions.
We’re also taking proactive steps to improve the quality of food served to our patients, recognising the strong link between nutrition and mental wellbeing. Our latest spring menu at Currumbin Clinic showcases this commitment, offering a diverse and nourishing selection of meals. Highlights include build-your-own Buddha bowls with fresh grains and vegetables, creamy lemon and caper pasta with salmon, and globally inspired street food nights featuring vegetarian options. Each day begins with a wholesome breakfast spread including Greek yoghurt, Bircher muesli, and boiled eggs, while desserts like tropical fruit platters and coconut meringue jars provide a satisfying finish. These thoughtfully crafted meals not only cater to dietary preferences but also promote gut health—an increasingly recognised factor in mental wellness.
Mental health is complex, shaped by biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors. At Aurora Hospitals, we believe in a holistic approach—where nutrition, gut health, and emotional wellbeing are treated together.
Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, or simply looking to feel better day-to-day, what you eat matters. By supporting your gut, you’re also supporting your brain—and that’s a powerful step toward better mental health.
If you're experiencing digestive issues, mood changes, or simply want to optimise your wellbeing through nutrition, our expert dietitian at the Currumbin Mind & Body Clinic can help. Specialising in nutritional psychiatry and gut health, we offer personalised support that considers both your physical and mental health.
Book a consultation today and start your journey toward holistic recovery.
Email: currumbinmindandbody@aurorahealth.com.au
Phone: 07 5586 4950
