Ever finished a meal and thought, “Wow, I’m stuffed… but why do I still want a snack?” Or maybe the opposite—you barely ate, but you’re totally satisfied?
At Functional Medicine Burbank, we look at your body as an ecosystem. Your gut isn’t just where digestion happens—it’s where trillions of bacteria are busy sending signals to your brain, influencing everything from hunger and mood to immune function and metabolism. And those microbes? They have opinions about what you eat.
Gut Bacteria Talk to Your Brain (No Joke)
Our gut is often called the “second brain”—and for good reason. The gut-brain axis is a communication highway made of nerves, hormones, and chemical messengers. When you eat, it’s not just about filling your stomach. It’s also about how your gut microbiome responds to the nutrients (or lack of nutrients) in your food. This is where functional medicine Sherman Oaks practitioners often focus on healing the microbiome to balance both mental and physical health.
Some types of bacteria thrive on fiber and fermented foods. Others love sugar and ultra-processed snacks. When you feed certain types consistently, they multiply—and they start sending signals to your body to eat more of what they want.
Craving Carbs? It Might Not Be You.
We’ve all had those days when we can’t stop thinking about carbs or sweets. That’s not weakness—that could actually be your gut bacteria talking. Certain strains that thrive on sugar can trigger chemical signals (like dopamine and serotonin) that make you want more. Wild, right?
So the more you feed those strains, the louder they get. But here’s the good news: You can retrain your gut bacteria by shifting your diet over time.
Feeding the “Good Guys”
The bacteria you want to flourish—the ones linked to better digestion, less inflammation, and even improved mental clarity—love things like:
- Prebiotic fibers (think garlic, leeks, asparagus)
- Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir)
- Colorful fruits and veggies
- Whole grains and legumes
When you feed these bacteria regularly, they begin to dominate your microbiome—and your food cravings actually change. You may start naturally wanting more nourishing foods because your internal ecosystem has realigned.
Gut Bacteria & Feeling Full
Recent research suggests that certain gut bacteria signal satiety hormones like GLP-1 and PYY—meaning they help tell your brain that you’ve had enough to eat.
So, if your gut is out of balance?
You may not feel full at the right time. Or you may feel full too soon. That’s how gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the microbiome) can play a surprising role in:
- Overeating or emotional eating
- Bloating and sluggish digestion
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Energy crashes after meals
A Gut-First Approach
At Functional Medicine Los Angeles, we always ask:
What’s your gut trying to tell you?
Because when you feel out of sync with your appetite, your mood, or your energy, the issue might not be you. It might be the microbial crowd in your digestive tract calling the shots.
Through personalized nutrition, stool testing (yes, we go there!), and root-cause analysis, we can help you:
- Understand your unique microbiome
- Reduce the “bad” bacteria and support the good
- Regain trust in your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues
Your gut bacteria are living beings—and they’re influencing your choices way more than you probably realize. But with a few intentional shifts, you can rewire that relationship and start craving foods that actually support your health.
Start by feeding the bacteria that love you back. Want to dive deeper into your gut health journey? Let’s create a plan that supports your microbiome and your goals.
👉 Book a consultation at Functional Medicine Los Angeles today.