"It's just psychological" – a misunderstanding and in most cases not correct either
The statement "it's just psychological" is still often used when people struggle with stress, anxiety, sleep problems, restlessness, sugar cravings, or diffuse digestive complaints. Modern biological and neuroscientific research shows that this is a simplified and often incorrect explanation. Psychological experiences are not detached from the body – they are closely rooted in biology, physiology, and the flow of information between the gut, brain, nervous system, and hormones.
What we experience as thoughts, feelings, and inner states is the result of physical processes: neurotransmitters, hormones, electrical impulses, immune responses, and microbial activity. When these systems are out of balance, it will manifest mentally – but the cause is often not primarily psychological, it is biological and chemical. If you are biochemically out of balance, it is very difficult to maintain good mental balance and experience natural well-being.-
Many people simultaneously experience inner restlessness, stress, feelings of anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, strong cravings for sugar and ultra-processed foods, as well as a stomach that becomes bloated or clearly protruding over the course of the day without corresponding weight gain. These phenomena are often treated in isolation, but research shows that they very often have common biological causes, originating in the gut microbiome and in how the gut communicates with the brain and the hormonal system.
The microbiome – a central regulatory system
The gut microbiome consists of tens of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms, mainly located in the large intestine. Taken together, this ecosystem functions as its own biological regulatory system – often referred to as a "hidden organ" – which continuously interacts with the cells of the gut, the immune system, the hormonal system, and the nervous system.
The microbiome plays a key role in:
• breakdown and efficient utilization of nutrients
• production and modulation of signaling substances and metabolites
• regulation of the immune system, where around 70–80% of immune activity is linked to the gut
• influence on hormonal balance, energy metabolism, and inflammation levels
A rich and diverse microbiome is associated with better metabolic flexibility, more stable energy levels, higher stress tolerance, and a more stable mood. When diversity is reduced, it is often associated instead with hormonal imbalance, increased inflammation, lower energy, and greater mental strain.
In addition, the microbiome functions as an active communication platform with the brain through the gut-brain axis, where microbial signals influence mood, sleep, stress response, and appetite regulation.
The gut-brain axis – two-way communication
The gut-brain axis is a continuous two-way communication between the digestive system and the central nervous system. This communication occurs via:
• the vagus nerve
• hormonal signals
• immune signals
• metabolites produced by gut bacteria
This means that psychological stress can affect the composition of gut bacteria, while imbalance in the microbiome can send signals that affect mood, sleep, concentration, and stress response.
Neurotransmitters – the chemical foundation of mental balance
The body's nervous system consists of around 86 billion nerve cells that communicate via neurotransmitters. These chemical signaling substances are crucial for electrical signals to be transmitted efficiently between nerve cells.
Serotonin is a key signaling substance for mood, sleep, appetite, body temperature, and inflammation regulation. Approximately 90–95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut through interaction between specialized neuroendocrine cells and gut bacteria. When this production is reduced, it may contribute to low mood, restlessness, sleep disturbances, and increased sugar cravings.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the nervous system's most important inhibitory signaling substance and acts as a biological "brake" that reduces overactivity in the nervous system. GABA is largely produced directly by specific gut bacteria and is crucial for relaxation, falling asleep, and deep sleep. Reduced levels can make it difficult to calm down, even in cases of physical fatigue.
Lifestyle, microbiome, and modern stressors
Modern diet and lifestyle place significant pressure on the microbiome. Factors such as high intake of refined sugar and ultra-processed foods, low fiber intake, antibiotic use, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and environmental toxins can reduce bacterial diversity and weaken the intestinal barrier. This can lead to increased intestinal permeability, low-grade inflammation, and altered signaling to the brain.
SIBO and a protruding stomach
A common consequence of microbial imbalance is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), in which bacteria that normally belong in the large intestine establish themselves in the small intestine. This can lead to:
• gas production and pressure
• bloating and a protruding stomach
• slow digestion and discomfort
• reduced nutrient absorption
These bacteria ferment carbohydrates and produce gas, while also sending signals via the gut-brain axis that are experienced as strong cravings for sugar and fast carbohydrates.
Sugar cravings – a biological signal
Sugar cravings are rarely a matter of willpower. They may be due to several overlapping mechanisms:
• unwanted bacteria and yeast that feed on sugar and signal the need for more
• insulin resistance that makes less energy available to the cells
• leptin resistance that weakens the brain’s satiety signal
• elevated cortisol that increases the need for quick energy
These signals arise through the same biological communication channels used by the body’s own cells.
Amino acids and nutrition for the regulatory systems
Essential amino acids are building blocks for enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, musculature, and the intestinal lining. They are necessary for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and the production of signaling substances. Plant-based fiber also functions as prebiotics that nourish beneficial bacteria, while probiotics may help support microbial balance.
Relevant products at Uno Vita
Perfect Amino Tablets – essential amino acids in a precise ratio that support protein synthesis, enzyme formation, and general cellular repair.
Perfect Amino Powder – powdered essential amino acids with high bioavailability, used to support protein synthesis, recovery, and metabolic balance.
Probiotic with Perfect Amino – combines probiotic bacteria with amino acids to support the microbiome and the gut-brain axis.
Tributyrin with Perfect Amino – contains tributyrin, a source of butyric acid, which is important for the intestinal barrier, energy supply to intestinal cells, and microbial balance.
Greens – Perfect Amino Superfood – plant-based nutrition that provides fiber, phytonutrients, and prebiotic components that support beneficial bacteria.
Florassist® Probiotic Mood Improve – probiotic formulation combined with saffron, developed to support gut-brain communication and emotional balance.
Holistic effects when biology is supported
When burdens are reduced and the body receives nourishment that supports the microbiome, nervous system, and hormonal balance, many gradually experience:
• less sugar cravings
• a flatter, less bloated stomach
• better sleep quality
• a calmer nervous system
• more stable energy throughout the day
This happens because the body’s regulatory systems are given better conditions to function optimally.
Disclaimer
This text is general professional information and does not replace medical advice. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. In the case of health concerns, qualified healthcare professionals should be consulted. Freedom of speech and access to scientific information are fundamental principles.
Scientific references
-
Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Nat Rev Neurosci.
-
Yano JM et al. Cell.
-
Mayer EA et al. J Clin Invest.
-
Foster JA, Neufeld KA. Trends Neurosci.
-
Grenham S et al. Front Physiol.
-
Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Psychoneuroendocrinology.
-
Sampson TR, Mazmanian SK. Cell Host Microbe.
-
Carabotti M et al. Ann Gastroenterol.
-
Kelly JR et al. J Psychiatr Res.
-
Burokas A et al. Brain Behav Immun.
-
Turnbaugh PJ et al. Nature.
-
Le Chatelier E et al. Nature.
-
Cani PD et al. Diabetes.
-
Ridaura VK et al. Science.
-
Quigley EMM. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.
-
Cryan JF et al. Physiol Rev.
-
Sonnenburg JL, Bäckhed F. Nature.
-
Valles-Colomer M et al. Nat Microbiol.
-
Moloney RD et al. Mamm Genome.
-
O’Mahony SM et al. Behav Brain Res.
-
Dinan TG et al. J Psychiatr Res.
