The Influence of the Gut–Brain Axis on the Mind–Body Problem

Abstract

This article reexamines the mind–body problem through the lens of neurobiology, psychiatry, and clinical practice, advocating for a biologically embedded and systematically distributed view of mental states. Drawing on emerging research into the gut–brain axis, where it describes how microbial composition, immune signaling, and nutrition influences mood, cognition, and emotional regulation. Evidence shows that dysbiosis and altered vagal signaling can reshape neuroanatomical structures and influence stress responses, challenging the traditional view of the mind as confined to the brain. The discussion also covers glioblastoma, a primary brain tumor that highlights the physical vulnerability of the mind. As the tumor infiltrates glial networks and disrupts cortical structure, patients experience significant changes in personality, memory, and emotional stability, showing that identity and agency depend on neural integrity. Clinical observations, particularly in nursing contexts, reinforce this systemic view. In both psychiatric and neuro-oncology settings, nurses play an important role in monitoring nutritional status, emotional resilience, and cognitive decline among patients, often serving as mediators between biological processes and psychological outcomes. Nursing interventions targeting diet, inflammation, and neurodegeneration have shown promise in improving treatment adherence and quality of life, further supporting the concept that distributed physiological networks shape mental health.