A more connected way to understand wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is often associated with the brain: focus, mood, memory, stress. But these experiences are shaped by more than neural activity alone.
The body works through interconnected systems. One of the most important is the relationship between the gut and the brain.
This connection is known as the gut–brain axis.
The gut as the “second brain”
The gut is often described as the body’s “second brain.”
Within the digestive system sits the enteric nervous system (ENS) — a network of more than 100 million neurons that regulates digestion and communicates continuously with the brain.
This communication forms the gut–brain axis, linking the gut and brain through:
- The nervous system, including the vagus nerve
- Immune signalling
- Hormones and metabolites
- The gut microbiome
The gut plays an active role in shaping signals that influence how the body feels and functions. In face, a large proportion of the body’s serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract, where it contributes to gut signalling and broader physiological processes.
This reflects a more integrated system:
mental clarity, emotional steadiness, and stress response are influenced by both brain and gut — together.
When the gut environment is balanced, communication across this system tends to be more stable. When it is disrupted, the effects are often gradual:
- reduced clarity
- lower resilience to stress
- fluctuations in energy and focus
Research into the microbiome–gut–brain axis continues to develop, with growing evidence that gut health is part of the foundation of how we feel — mentally as well as physically.
Supporting the system as a whole
Supporting the gut–brain axis comes down to maintaining a stable internal environment over time — through everyday factors such as diet diversity, rest, and how the body processes stress — alongside more targeted support where needed.
Within this broader context, certain functional mushrooms have drawn attention for their role in supporting specific aspects of this system.
Two that sit naturally within this conversation are:
Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane.
Turkey Tail: supporting the gut environment
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) has a long history of use and is now studied for its interaction with the gut microbiome and immune system.
It contains compounds including:
- polysaccharopeptides (PSP and PSK)
- beta-glucans
- prebiotic fibres
These compounds appear to influence microbial balance.
A 2013 study found that Trametes versicolor extract modified human gut microbiota composition in vitro, suggesting prebiotic-like activity.
A randomized clinical trial also observed that polysaccharopeptides from Turkey Tail influenced gut microbiome composition in healthy individuals.
Because the gut microbiome contributes to immune signalling and communication along the gut–brain axis, this level of support extends beyond digestion. Turkey Tail works at the level of the internal environment, supporting the conditions that influence broader balance.
Lion’s Mane: supporting cognitive clarity
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is associated with cognitive function and neural health.
It contains compounds such as hericenones and erinacines, which have been studied in relation to nerve growth factor (NGF).
Laboratory research has shown Lion’s Mane extracts can stimulate NGF-related activity, supporting neuron growth and maintenance.
Human studies provide early but meaningful signals.
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial found that Lion’s Mane intake was associated with improvements in cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Emerging research also suggests potential effects on:
- cognitive performance
- processing speed
- subjective stress
Lion’s Mane supports the neural side of the gut–brain axis, helping maintain clarity, focus, and cognitive steadiness over time.
Bringing it together
The gut and brain operate as a connected system. Supporting one influences the other.
If you’re looking to support both gut health and cognitive function through a more integrated approach, Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane are a natural place to begin.
Mµ formulations are designed to work with the body over time, with quality, clarity, and balance at the core.
Explore our Gut & Brain Pack here.
