The Connection Between Our Gut Microbiome and Brain
What is the Gut Microbiome?
“Picture a bustling city on a weekday morning, the sidewalks flooded with people rushing to get to work or to appointments. Now imagine this at a microscopic level and you have an idea of what the microbiome looks like inside our bodies, consisting of trillions of microorganisms (also called microbiota or microbes) of thousands of different species. [1] These include not only bacteria but fungi, parasites, and viruses. In a healthy person, these “bugs” coexist peacefully, with the largest numbers found in the small and large intestines but also throughout the body. The microbiome is even labeled a supporting organ because it plays so many key roles in promoting the smooth daily operations of the human body.” Harvard School of Public Health
How is our Gut Microbiome Connected to Our Brain?
It is now well-accepted that certain good bacteria can be extremely useful for digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or for recovery after antibiotics use. We also know that healthy gut bacteria can provide us with important micronutrients like vitamin K.
Additionally, There has been some interesting research indicating that the good bacteria in our gut can benefit our minds!
In the clinical setting, people regularly report that when they take probiotics or recover from digestive problems they feel more mentally alert and clear. There are many ways good bacteria could influence our minds.
Why Is Gut Health Important?
A dysfunctional gut lining can produce inflammation which could contribute to fatigue and low mood. It is well known that micro-nutrients like B12, other B vitamins, and folate also influence our minds.
A healthy gut is critical for the absorption of these nutrients. Altering the gut microbiome is a critical step to repairing a dysfunctional gut lining. Bacteria also produce chemical messengers that may be absorbed into our bodies. They may produce GABA, serotonin, or peptide-based chemical messengers. It is thought that these chemical messengers may stimulate particular regions of the brain through the vagus nerve.
Probiotics for Gut & Brain Health
Some researchers had found that those who took probiotics, showed changes in blood flow to regions of the brain involving emotion and sensation. The health applications of probiotics may also be species-specific. Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 species was recently found to decrease depression scores and limbic system activity in those with IBS.
The therapeutic applications for probiotics are continuing to expand. We expect to see new information on the roles of probiotics in our bodies and applications for health purposes in the very near future!
References:
Consumption of Fermented Milk Product With Probiotic Modulates Brain Activity. Tillisch, Kirsten et al. Gastroenterology, Volume 144 , Issue 7 , 1394 - 1401.e4
Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 Reduces Depression Scores and Alters Brain Activity: a Pilot Study in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Pinto-Sanchez, Maria Ines et al. Gastroenterology, Volume 0 , Issue 0,
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