Digestive health is closely connected to brain health. Increasingly, research confirms what many people with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have long suspected: Problems in the digestive system don’t stop there; they influence the entire body, particularly the brain.
These connections are especially critical for people with chronic GI conditions, where unaddressed mental health concerns can worsen physical symptoms and vice versa. In this first installment of our Clinical Spotlight series, Clinical Advisory Board member Dr. Dena Bravata shares what we know — and what we’re still learning — about the gut-brain connection, and how we can better care for people by treating both.
The gut-brain connection is a two-way street
The gut-brain relationship is bi-directional. Activities in the gut such as shifts in the microbiome, immune system, and vagus nerve affect stress levels, cognitive function, and mood. Relatedly, conditions like anxiety or depression can exacerbate GI symptoms. This is especially true for people living with chronic GI conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia.
According to Dr. Bravata, “The gut influences brain function via neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, and neural pathways,” and the gut microbiome plays a key role mediating that interaction.
Why integrated care matters
Caring for GI symptoms in isolation is inadequate for many, especially when stress or mood disorders are part of their picture.
“The most effective GI care models,” says Dr. Bravata, “prioritize early screening and comprehensive interventions for gut-brain symptoms.”
These include proven approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), gut-directed hypnotherapy, and mindfulness-based interventions, all of which are recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association.
Adding gut-brain connection support into GI care enables earlier, more effective interventions for symptoms often influenced by stress and related symptoms. Employer-sponsored programs can leverage these integrations to improve employee well-being and reduce absenteeism by helping employees manage symptoms holistically from their onset.
A decade of discoveries and what comes next
In the last 10 years, research has transformed our understanding of the gut-brain axis.
“However, there is much that we do not understand about differences in the microbiome across people living in different geographies, the role of diet in affecting the microbiome, and changes to the microbiome in an individual over time and with illness,” Dr. Bravata explains.
As we deliver effective care for people with symptoms affecting both their mental and digestive well-being we have an opportunity to contribute both to the understanding of what constitutes excellence in personalized care and the factors driving their conditions.
Real care, built around real people
Cylinder believes the best GI care means treating more than the just gut. It’s about caring for the body and mind. Our platform integrates evidence-based behavioral health support directly into digestive care, with access to CBT, dietitian coaching, and personalized guidance based on each member’s history and goals.
It’s part of how we’ve helped over 100,000 people take control of their digestive health, and it’s why we continue investing in clinical innovation that puts people first.
