Gm.

Ever notice how you get the runs when you're nervous? Or how you don’t feel like talking to anyone when you’re constipated? That’s not random. Your gut’s not just a poop factory—it’s a second brain, and it’s got a lot to say about how you’re feeling. The assignment: pay attention.

Your gut and brain are in constant communication via the gut-brain axis, a two-way hotline involving nerves, hormones, and your microbiome. Simply put, this two-way axis means that our thoughts can literally affect our gut health, and vice versa.

Stress comes in many different shapes and sizes: anxiety, depression, trauma, overthinking, overworking. Many of us are in a constant state of analysis paralysis, ‘what if this,’ ‘what if that,'. These types of thoughts and emotions aren’t just party poopers—they’re all silently wrecking your gut in similar ways.

There are countless studies out there linking stress to higher cortisol levels, which inflame the gut and disrupt digestion. While there’s a ton of content out there on how to approach dealing with the various forms of stress, PoopMates keeps it simple and suggests the lindy approach first: “listen to your gut.”

You don’t need therapy, you just need to take a massive sh*t.

A 2023 study analyzing over 12,000 American adults found that individuals with constipation were significantly more likely to experience major depression—20.9% compared to 7.9% in those without constipation. That means if your constipated, you’re x2.2 or 120% more likely to be depressed. 🤯

You need to let it go.

With this new information, do this now: check in on your homies that might seem a little down lately. Ask them how they’re pooping, plug the PoopMates mobile app. Even just asking the question is bound to put them in a better mood.

You don’t need therapy, you just need to face your fears.

Fear is the ultimate form of stress, and holding onto fear is like holding in a fart; it’s only gonna build up, make you uncomfortable, and come out even worse.

You need to let. it. go.

It’ll feel good spiritually AND on the toilet. A 2021 study showed that confronting fears head-on leads to a strong dopamine release, and 50% of your body’s dopamine is made in your gut (read our previous post to learn more). In other words, facing your fears feels good. When people confront their core fears, their parasympathetic nervous system kicks in—the “rest and digest” mode. THAT’s healing. THAT’s when you hit PRs on the toilet.

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It’s corny, but it’s real. Studies have shown that positive thinking significantly cuts stress hormones and boosts healthy gut bacteria like Lactobacillus. Pessimists, meanwhile, have more inflammation-causing microbes. It works the other way around too—improving your gut health with the right diet and lifestyle will directly improve your mood.

No more doom posting. No more black pilling. No more toxic relationships. No more garbage food.

It’s going to be ok. Manifest that microbiome glow. Your body will reward you with perfect soft snakes every morning to start the day.

Stay up, kings and queens.

Be sure to UPDATE or download the PoopMates mobile app

Also, be sure to follow our socials for more memes and gut-health related content.

That’s all for today, PoopMates. Go, fertilize the Earth. The planet needs you.

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.