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The gut microbiome is an integral part of the human ecosystem, as there are over 1,000 species of bacteria in the digestive system.

Harmony and interaction

Not only do these bacteria live in a delicate balance, but they also interact with each other and with the cells of the host (humans) in complex ways. For example, some gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids; Such as butyrate, which is part of the food chain for the cells that line the intestine, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

The gut microbiome – or intestinal microbiome – is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa that live in the digestive tract. These microbes play a vital role in digesting food, making vitamins, and strengthening the immune system. In addition, gut microbes produce chemicals that affect the brain.

In recent decades, interest in mental health has increased significantly, as it has become clear that there is a close connection between mental health and physical health. One of the most important discoveries in this field is the relationship between gut microbes and mental health.

Recent research suggests that the balance of gut microbes can have a profound effect on brain function, mood and behaviour.

Mental health

Mental health is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and includes: mainly mental disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia and eating disorders. In 2019, the number of individuals suffering from mental illness was estimated at approximately 970 million (National Library of Medicine (NLM)).

Mental disorders can affect patients’ study, work, and normal life, and lead to suicide in severe cases. In addition, it can affect the normal life of the patient’s family members. Recently, mental disorders have emerged as major public health concerns worldwide, and they also lead to a significant medical burden and economic loss.

Gut microbes

On the other hand, the gut microbiota and its metabolites have a significant impact on the overall health maintenance of the host; Bacterial dysbiosis in the gut has been reported to be associated with the onset and development of many chronic metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cancers, as well as linking gut microbiota to mental health, a has received more attention in recent years. .

It has been reported that gut microbiota can affect the brain and mental health in several ways; Such as the vagus nerve, microbial regulation of neuroimmune signaling, microbial-mediated tryptophan metabolism, microbial control of neuroendocrine function, and microbial production of neuroactive compounds. In addition, the gut microbiome can produce and regulate neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, which play an important role in brain function and immunity in the brain.

The neuroenteric germinal axis

The gut-brain axis is the communication system between the gut and the brain, and includes nerve signals, hormones, and immune molecules that are transferred between the central nervous system and the gut. The main function of this axis is to regulate the functions of the digestive system, and recently, research shows that it has a greater role in influencing mood and behavior.

The gut-brain axis acts as a communication channel between the gut and the brain, transmitting signals through the vagus nerve from the gut to the brain and vice versa. In addition to this vagus nerve, hormones and chemical signals secreted by gut microbes play an important role in this process.

For example, bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter with a calming and relaxing effect on the central nervous system (CNS). , creating, or sending chemical messages to other neurons.

The impact of gut microbes on mental health

• Neurochemical production. Gut microbes are able to produce and consume many neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to mood. As for serotonin, for example, 90 percent of it is produced in the intestines, and it is considered one of the essential neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and feelings of happiness. Dopamine, for its part, plays a role in feelings of reward and motivation. Therefore, any imbalance in the production of these neurotransmitters can lead to mental disorders.

Serotonin and dopamine aren’t the only ones affected by gut microbes; it also contains noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and GABA. These transmitters play a role in regulating sleep, appetite, mood and general energy. GABA is known to help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

• Interaction with the immune system. Gut microbes play a role in regulating the immune system, and chronic inflammation caused by an imbalance of microbes can negatively affect the brain and contribute to the development of disorders such as depression and anxiety. Research shows that chronic inflammation leads to the release of chemicals such as cytokines that can cross the blood-brain barrier and affect brain function. The interaction between gut microbes and the immune system occurs through complex chemical signals. Therefore, good microbes help to develop and regulate the immune system, which prevents chronic diseases that adversely affect the brain.

• Blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a physiological barrier and protective structure that prevents harmful substances in the blood from reaching the brain. Studies show that microbes play a role in maintaining the integrity of this barrier, and that any breakdown in the blood-brain barrier can lead to the release of substances harmful to the brain, which contributes to the development of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. .

Scientific studies and evidence

• Animal studies. Studies in mice have shown that changing the gut microbiome can change the behavior of mice. For example, mice transplanted from depressed mice showed depression-like behavior. These studies reinforce the idea that gut microbes play a direct role in influencing behavior and mood.

• Human studies. Studies in humans have shown that people with mental disorders such as depression have lower microbial diversity in their gut. In addition, clinical studies have shown that taking probiotics can improve mood and reduce the level of anxiety and depression. For example, one study among college students showed that taking probiotics for 6 weeks improved mood and reduced stress.

The effects of natural products against mental disorders have become a hot research area in the fields of food science, nutrition, psychology and psychiatry in recent years, and studies have shown that the vital roles of some probiotics and natural products in the management of mental disorders through gut microbiota modification.

For example, a study found that a positive association of vegetables, fruits and fiber was positively associated with mental health in a population of 502,494 middle-aged adults. Another study of 482 participants showed that a diet rich in tryptophan was negatively associated with depression and could improve social cognition.

• Multi-factor analysis; Gut microbes have been shown to have a positive effect on the maintenance of mental health through the production of short chain fatty acids and the regulation of amino acids. Therefore, it could be a way to target gut microbiota to prevent and treat psychiatric disorders.

Therapeutic applications

• Probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics are supplements that contain live, beneficial bacteria that can improve the balance of microbes in the gut. Prebiotics are dietary fibers that feed good bacteria. Both have been shown to be effective in improving mood and reducing anxiety. Probiotics can include bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are beneficial for intestinal health.

• Diet. It plays a major role in the health of microbes. High-fiber, fermented foods like yogurt and leafy greens can promote a healthy microbiome. Processed and sugary foods can lead to microbial imbalance and increased inflammation.

• Psychological and pharmacological treatment. Certain psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as psychiatric medications, may be more effective when used in conjunction with strategies aimed at improving microbiome health. Research shows that the intersection of psychotherapy and improving gut health can lead to better results in treating depression and anxiety.

Finally, despite significant progress in understanding the relationship between gut microbes and mental health, challenges remain; Among them is the high diversity of the microbiome between individuals, which makes it difficult to develop comprehensive treatments. However, this area offers great opportunities to develop new and personalized treatments that aim to improve mental health through gut microbial balance.

The relationship between gut microbes and mental health is an interesting and exciting area of ​​scientific research. A better understanding of this relationship could lead to new ways to improve mental health through gut health. By integrating traditional medicine, nutrition and microbial care, great progress can be made in treating and improving mental health.

• Community therapy consultant