A Free Interactive Resource From Timothy Carpenter, MD
Your Brain Doesn't Live in a Bubble.
Your brain and digestive system communicate through a complex network involving your nervous system, hormones, immune signaling, microbial metabolites and other biological pathways.
Scientists commonly refer to this relationship as the
Gut–Brain Axis
Let's see how much you know about it.
5 to 8 minutes • Free • No account required
Dr. Carpenter Here.
Brain fog. Poor concentration. Stress. Sleep changes. Digestive issues.
People often think about these things separately.
But the human body doesn't operate as a collection of completely independent systems.
One fascinating area of research is the relationship between the digestive system, the microorganisms living within it, and the brain.
That's called the gut–brain axis.
I created this interactive guide to help you understand what scientists are learning about that connection — and to help you think about some of your own patterns.
We're not going to diagnose you.
We're not going to blame everything on your microbiome.
We're going to learn.
Ready?
— Timothy Carpenter, MD
Educational Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Gut–brain research is an active and evolving field, and the general information here does not describe your individual health. Digestive and cognitive symptoms can have many possible causes and should be evaluated by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional in the context of your own history, examination and circumstances.