The Surprising Connection. You've probably heard the phrase"trust your gut." Most people think it's just a saying about intuition-but what if it's more than that? Scientists are finding that our gut and brain are in constant conversation. In fact, your gut has its own nervous system, often called the"second brain." This connectioncknown as the gut-brain axis-explains why you might feel"butterflies" when you're nervous, or lose your appetite when you're sad. It turns out, your digestion doesn't just process food; it helps process emotions, too. The Microbiome: Tiny Creatures, Big Impact. Inside your gut live trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes collectively known as the microbiome. They're not just passengers-they're active participants in your health. Some bacteria produce chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, the same"feel-good" neurotransmitters your brain uses to regulate mood. When your gut bacteria are...