The gut is best known for its role in absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste from the body. However, it also plays a vital role in immune function and mental health — so much so that it is often referred to as the “second brain.” This connection is known as the gut-brain axis. You may have experienced it yourself — for example, feeling nauseous when anxious or noticing “butterflies” in your stomach during times of stress. The gut microbiome — the collection of bacteria liv