By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
About this VLOG
In this short video, I explain a fascinating truth: most of the serotonin in your body isn’t made in your brain at all. Nearly 90% is produced in your gut by specialised cells in the intestinal lining. In my Dubai clinic, this gut–brain link often explains why changes in digestion and mood can occur together.
What exactly is serotonin?
Serotonin is often called the “happiness chemical.” It supports mood, focus, sleep, and bowel movements. The surprising part is that most of it is made in the gut — used locally for gut movement and signalling. Brain serotonin is produced in the brain itself, but the communication between gut and brain is constant.
How does the gut microbiome affect serotonin?
Your gut hosts trillions of friendly bacteria — the gut microbiome. These microbes don’t just digest food; they send signals to gut cells that help regulate serotonin production. Even though gut-made serotonin doesn’t cross into the brain, it still influences the gut–brain axis through nerves and chemical messengers. When the microbiome is out of balance, these signals can misfire, leading to digestive changes, low energy, or mild anxiety.
Can improving gut health support emotional balance?
Yes. While research is ongoing, keeping your gut healthy supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. Fibre-rich foods, fermented products, regular meals, sleep, and stress management all nourish the microbiome and help stabilise serotonin signalling. Many Dubai patients report calmer digestion and steadier mood once we focus on gut health first.
Related Links
If you experience ongoing bloating, discomfort, or irregular bowel habits, it may reflect an imbalance in gut bacteria.
Learn more on our Gut Microbiome page or visit the IBS main specialty page to understand treatment options available in Dubai.