cartoon illustrating a battle inside the gut. Good bacteria, depicted with glowing shields and swords, engage in combat with mischievous bad bacteria wielding candy canes and sugar cubes. The background is a cross-section of human intestine

Where Have All the Demons Gone? Exploring the Gut-Brain & Heart Axis and Mental Health

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Time to read 6 min

Introduction


Throughout history, behaviors now recognized as symptoms of mental health disorders were often attributed to supernatural forces. In particular, conditions like bipolar disorder were misunderstood, interpreted through the lens of possession, sin, or divine punishment. Today, advancements in neuroscience and microbiology offer a more nuanced understanding, revealing the intricate connections between our gut health, heart rhythm, and mental well-being.


Gut, Heart, Brain: A Forgotten Trinity


Typically, when we think of bipolar disorder or managing our mood and mental wellness, we focus on the brain. But historically, many cultures assigned the role of the "mind" to a tripartite system—brain, heart, and stomach—each playing an equal role in emotional intelligence and spiritual discernment.


"The heart (leμb) was considered the seat of emotions and intelligence, with the stomach also associated with the nervous system."— Biblical Archaeology Review


While modern science emphasizes the gut-brain axis, it often excludes the emotional and energetic significance of the heart.


At Bipolar Zen, we honor the full trinity. Building a healthy gut biome and cultivating emotional coherence are essential to our mantra: 🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness, 💪 Effort, 🌱 Growth, 🧡 Awareness, and 🚢 Navigation.

Ancient Theories of Consciousness

"While Aristotle believed the heart was the center of the soul, Hippocrates argued that the brain is the seat of thought, sensation, emotion, and cognition."— New Scientist

Across civilizations:

  • Ancient Egypt : The "Ib" of the heart judged the soul in the afterlife.

  • Ancient Israel : The heart and stomach were centers of emotion and wisdom.

    "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things."— Philippians 3:19

  • Plato : The soul had three parts—Logos (head/reason), Thymos (chest/spirit), Eros (gut/desire).


These early frameworks weren’t far from the truth. They mirror what modern science now calls the gut-brain axis—and hint at a forgotten biological intelligence residing in the heart.


Demons Under The Microscope: Dysbiosis and Mental Hijacking


"Gut bacteria manufacture about 95 percent of the body's supply of serotonin, which influences both mood and GI activity."— American Psychological Association


Gut Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome)—an imbalance between good and bad bacteria—can:

  • ❌ Suppress serotonin and dopamine

  • ⚠️ Trigger systemic inflammation

  • 🪫 Influence energy metabolism

  • 🚪 Increase intestinal permeability ("leaky gut")

"Believe it or not, the bacteria that live in your gut are involved in your gut-brain connection. They produce neurotransmitters and chemicals that affect your brain through your bloodstream."— Cleveland Clinic


Neglecting gut health doesn’t just lead to bloating or fatigue. It can spiral into brain fog, impulsivity, irritability, despair, and poor impulse control.


Imagine:

A microscopic army of clawed creatures feasting on sugar, whispering cravings and self-doubt. They mutate your mind from within. These are not metaphors. These are microbes.


Bad Bacteria and the Heart of the Matter


Gut bacteria don’t stop at the brain. They also influence heart function.


"Certain gut bacteria produce compounds like TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide), which have been linked to increased risk of heart disease."— American Heart Association

The same inflammation that disrupts mental stability often echoes through cardiovascular pathways, leading to arrhythmias, plaque buildup, and metabolic strain.

Mood, Hygiene, and the Hygiene Feedback Loop


"Why is it so hard to shower or brush your teeth when you’re depressed? Because your brain is at war, and it feels like you're losing."— NAMI Blog


During bipolar lows, hygiene tends to slip. This isn’t laziness—it’s neurochemical depletion. The result? An environment where bad bacteria thrive, further compromising mood and energy.


"An unbalanced immune response in the gut can directly influence mood and broader mental state."— Stanford Longevity Center


Now consider this: skipping hygiene isn't just a symptom. It may be part of the cause.

Microbial Possession: Headaches, Cold Sores, and Period Flu


Poor gut health can trigger systemic immune responses that worsen:

  • Cold sores (HSV)

  • Hormonal migraines

  • Skin issues like eczema

  • Digestive cramps and "period flu" during menstruation

"Hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence the immune system. Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) can further impact immune function, potentially making individuals more susceptible to infections or exacerbating inflammation."— PrecisionBiotics Blog


In this light, gut Dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) looks less like an inconvenience—and more like a targeted act of sabotage.


The Intuition to Fast

When the body says, "Don’t eat today," it may not be a manic whim. It may be a primal signal.

Fasting isn’t just spiritual—it’s strategic. It:

  • Resets gut bacterial balance

  • Triggers autophagy (cellular cleanup)

  • Enhances mitochondrial and brain health

  • Activates the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) to clear out residual toxins

How to Fast for Gut Renewal

4–16 hrs: Glucose depletes. Fat begins to burn.16–24 hrs: Autophagy kicks in. Gut bacteria begin to shift.24–72 hrs: Ketones fuel the brain. Inflammation drops. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rises.


But reentry is as important as the fast itself.


To break a fast safely:

  • Start with hydration and broth

  • Avoid raw veggies, processed foods, and heavy fats

  • Slowly reintroduce protein and fiber-rich foods

For more, read: " How to Break a Fast Safely " — Signos Health Blog

Mushrooms: The Gut’s Quiet Defenders

Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, and Chaga provide:

  • Prebiotic fiber to feed beneficial microbes

  • Immune-modulating beta-glucans

  • Anti-inflammatory polysaccharides

"Mushrooms contain many compounds that feed good bacteria in the form of fiber."— ZOE


Try our Vital8ty Fermented Mushroom Blend : pre-digested mushrooms with enhanced absorption and maximum bioavailability.


Also explore our Birch Chaga Truffles —a functional snack that nourishes gut and mind.



Chakra Resonance: Gut, Heart, and Soul

Energetically, gut-brain dysregulation manifests in:

  • 🌫️ Solar Plexus Chakra: digestion, power, identity

  • 💚 Heart Chakra: compassion, coherence, love

  • 🥺 Sacral Chakra: craving, pleasure, creative flow

"In traditional systems, chakras are believed to influence our emotional and mental well-being. When chakras are balanced, they are thought to promote emotional stability and clarity."— Samyama.com


While science has not validated chakras as anatomical structures, they remain powerful metaphors for our internal alignment.


Conclusion: Restore the Temple


This article is not a substitute for medical advice—it is a torch.


A guide. A sacred unveiling.


Many of the urges that compromise your hygiene, your cravings, and your relationships do not come from the self. Some are planted. Some are microbial. Some are echoes of trauma, trapped in the gut.


To heal the heart, we must rebuild the gut.To reclaim the mind, we must restore the temple.


🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness. 💪 Effort. 🌳 Growth. 🧡 Awareness. 🚢 Navigation.


Your compass is within. The map is your body. The journey has already begun.




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