"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, a sweet tooth or diffuse stomach problems. Modern biological and neuroscientific research shows that this is a simplistic and often erroneous explanation. Psychic 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: signaling substances, hormones, electrical impulses, immune response 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 a good psychological balance and experience natural well-being.
Many people simultaneously experience inner turmoil, stress, feelings of anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, strong cravings for sugar and ultra-processed food, as well as a stomach that becomes bloated or clearly protrudes throughout the day without corresponding weight gain. These phenomena are often treated in isolation, but research shows that they very often have common biological causes, based on the gut microbiome and 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. Collectively, this ecosystem functions as a separate biological regulatory system - often referred to as a "hidden organ" - which continuously interacts with the cells of the intestine, 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 intestine
• influence on hormone balance, energy turnover and level of inflammation
A rich and diverse microbiome is associated with better metabolic flexibility, smoother energy levels, higher stress tolerance and more stable mood. When diversity is reduced, however, connections are often seen with hormonal imbalance, increased inflammation, lower energy and increased mental strain.
In addition, the microbiome acts as an active communication platform towards 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 takes place via:
• the vagus nerve
• hormonal signals
• immune signals
• metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria
This means that psychological stress can affect the composition of gut bacteria, while an imbalance in the microbiome can send signals that affect mood, sleep, concentration and stress response.
Neurotransmitters – chemical basis of mental balance
The body's nervous system consists of around 86 billion nerve cells that communicate via neurotransmitters. These chemical signaling substances are essential for electrical signals to be transmitted efficiently between nerve cells.
Serotonin is a central 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 intestinal bacteria. When this production is reduced, it can contribute to low mood, restlessness, sleep disturbances and increased sugar cravings.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the nervous system's most important inhibitory signal substance and acts as a biological "brake" which dampens overactivity in the nervous system. GABA is largely produced directly by specific intestinal bacteria and is essential for relaxation, falling asleep and deep sleep. Reduced levels can make it difficult to calm down, even when physically tired.
Lifestyle, microbiome and modern stresses
Modern diet and lifestyle expose the microbiome to considerable pressure. Factors such as high intake of refined sugar and ultra-processed food, low fiber intake, antibiotic use, chronic stress, lack of sleep and environmental toxins can reduce bacterial diversity and weaken the intestinal barrier. This can result in increased permeability in the gut, low-grade inflammation and altered signaling to the brain.
SIBO and protruding stomach
A common consequence of microbial imbalance is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), where bacteria that normally belong in the large intestine establish themselves in the small intestine. This can lead to:
• gas production and pressure
• bloated and protruding stomach
• slow digestion and discomfort
• reduced nutrient intake
These bacteria ferment carbohydrates and produce gas, while at the same time sending signals via the gut-brain axis that are experienced as a strong craving for sugar and fast carbohydrates.
Sugar cravings – a biological signal
Sugar cravings are rarely a matter of willpower. They can be caused by several overlapping mechanisms:
• unwanted bacteria and yeast that feed on sugar and signal the need for more
• insulin resistance, which causes the cells to have less available energy
• leptin resistance, which weakens the satiety signal to the brain
• elevated cortisol which increases the need for quick energy
These signals occur through the same biological communication channels that the body's own cells use.
Amino acids and nutrition for the regulatory systems
Essential amino acids are building blocks for enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, muscles and intestinal mucosa. They are necessary for protein synthesis, tissue repair and the production of signaling substances. Plant-based fiber also acts as a prebiotic that nourishes beneficial bacteria, while probiotics can help support microbial balance.
Relevant products at Uno Vita
Perfect Amino Tablets – essential amino acids in precise proportions that support protein synthesis, enzyme formation and general cellular repair.
Perfect Amino Powder - powder form of 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 contributes fibre, phytonutrients and prebiotic components that support beneficial bacteria.
Florassist® Probiotic Mood Improver – probiotic formulation combined with saffron, developed to support gut-brain communication and emotional balance.
Overall effect when biology is supported
When loads are reduced and the body receives nutrition that supports the microbiome, nervous system and hormone balance, many gradually experience:
• less sugar cravings
• flatter and less bloated stomach
• better sleep quality
• calmer nervous system
• more even 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 event of health challenges, qualified healthcare personnel should be consulted. Freedom of expression and access to scientific information are fundamental principles.
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