EMERGING GUT-BRAIN RESEARCH

Digestive Function Is Regulated Beyond The Gut

A 2026 genetic study involving over 268,000 individuals identified pathways related to nervous system signalling, cholinergic activity, and thiamine metabolism in gut motility.

Yona was designed around this broader understanding of stress-sensitive digestion and gut-brain communication.

How Yona Works

Supporting the gut-brain connection at the signalling level

Vagal signalling influences digestive function

Researchers identified multiple nervous system and cholinergic signalling pathways involved in gut motility regulation. The vagus nerve runs directly to your stomach, intestines, and liver. It regulates motility, enzyme secretion, and the rate at which your gut processes food. When vagal tone is low, these processes slow and dysregulate. 

The gut-brain axis signals in both directions

The studies found strong genetic overlap between digestive traits and psychiatric/nervous-system-related conditions. Around 80% of vagal fibres carry signals upward, from gut to brain. That means your digestive state directly influences how your nervous system responds to stress, and chronic stress feeds back into worsening gut function.

Thiamine metabolism is genetically linked to gut motility

Researchers identified a previously unrecognised role for thiamine  metabolism in gut motility. A 2026 genome-wide study of 268,000 people identified specific gene variants in thiamine transport pathways as significant predictors of bowel motility. Vagus+ is formulated directly around this pathway.

OUR EXPERTS

built around emerging research into gut-brain signalling

Rather than focusing exclusively on the microbiome or restrictive elimination approaches, Yona was developed around emerging research into: gut motility, nervous system signalling, cholinergic pathways, and stress-sensitive digestion.

dr alisha damani

MBChB

Clinical Advisor

An award-winning Medical Doctor and High Performance Coach specialising in autonomic nervous system function and its effect on digestive health. Alisha ensures Yona's approach reflects how symptoms actually present in practice, particularly in patients with stress-driven or treatment-resistant gut issues.

david mcCollum

Cert Nat ANP

Clinical Nutritionist

A certified Gut Health Practitioner with over 25 years of experience in clinical nutrition and functional health. David specialises in complex digestive dysfunction, nervous system recovery, and targeted nutrient repletion, drawing directly on casework with patients who haven't responded to conventional approaches.

What Yona Users Report

Here's what Yona customers who completed our independent protocol-tracking survey told us† 

82%

Improved digestive comfort

Improvements across bloating, reflux, and gut sensitivity

52%

Felt calmer and less stressed

Broader nervous system regulation benefits, including better sleep

57%

Reduced digestive medication

Reported reducing or stopping acid-suppressing medication after 12 weeks

† Survey data represents self-reported outcomes from Yona customers. Individual results may vary. Yona Vagus+ is a food supplement, not a medicine. If you are taking prescribed medication, consult your GP before making any changes to your treatment.

Why This Research Matters

For years, most digestive solutions focused almost entirely on:

  • bacteria,
  • elimination diets,
  • gut “repair,”
  • or symptom suppression.

But this large-scale genetic study suggests digestion may also be influenced by:

  • nervous system signalling,
  • cholinergic communication,
  • stress-related pathways,
  • and thiamine metabolism.

your gut doesn't need more bacteria.
it needs a better signal.

Start the protocol