Implication of Gut Microbiome in Brain Chemistry and Behavior

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Link to Article: http://www.imedpub.com/articles/implication-of-gut-microbiome-in-brain-chemistry-and-behavior.php?aid=22600

Summary: “Implication of Gut Microbiome in Brain Chemistry and Behavior” is an observation of the roles of gut microbiome, and its effect on bodily, and brain health. The article refers to advanced research techniques that link the gut’s microbiome to the brain, behavior development, immune, metabolic, and physiologic function. The study targeted weak microbiomes with Probiotic bacteria, such as that found in yogurt, kefir, or Kombutcha. Scientists found chemical changes in the brain with the administration of these beneficial bacteria, and observed that brain functions such as levels of anxiety, mood, and memory were positively affected. Further in the article, this is expanded with the statement that “Researches have drawn links between gastrointestinal pathology and psychiatric neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative disorders...” They also explain that such symptoms can be the result of abnormal circumstances such as leaky gut, which disrupts gut homeostasis, and allows bacteria to grow throughout the body with minimum check. The study concludes with further support through animal testing, linking the disruption of gut microbiomes in mice to levels of stress, anxiety, and multiple neurotransmitters such as dopamine, and proteins involved in neural synapse development. Much like with PRO-biotics, there are many strains of bacteria. The article argues that determining the strain, genus, or species of gut bacteria may eventually lead us towards finding more focused treatments. The links between gut, and brain are still being explored today.

Reflection: This article is extremely relevant to the knowledge we have gained on the importance of gut homeostasis and how it relates to overall health. We know that disruption of gut balance has much more than just a local effect on body function. When the Gut Biome is out of balance, such as in a situation where one has taken antibiotics; the gut must then be repopulated with beneficial bacteria or one may experience elevated levels of anxiety, stress, or other (seemingly) non-gut related cognitive affects.  Antibiotics are nondiscriminatory in their role. When we use such medicines, the harmful bacteria we are targeting is removed, or reduced alongside the bacteria that our body needs. This leads to a (voluntary) imbalance, which is usually in the interest of the patient; but it is important to rebuild positive bacteria in what is ultimately a new gut biome. I, myself have experienced anxiety, and other cognitive changes as a result of an antibiotic course. With the help of probiotics, I slowly saw many of these symptoms disappear, or improve as my gut came closer to a healthy balance.
                I also believe that as Psych students, it is important to consider the role of the gut, before turning directly to medicines (in cognitive cases). The nutrition that we receive, and habits of gut health we practice go a long way in our mental functioning, and much of the time; children, and students are not consuming the correct foods to facilitate normative cognitive functioning. Many doctors do not consider the patients diet when considering treatment and such an oversight can lead to permanent damage that could ultimately be solved by healthier eating habits.

Comments

  1. Joy HuberNovember 15, 2018 at 10:59 AM

    This study offers many questions to be examined in patients with diseases being linked to poor gut biome. In future studies, it would be interesting to see if the onset of disease can be linked to a specific period of illness or drug treatment. It would also be interesting to investigate if certain illnesses or antibiotics could lead to the increase the risk for a specific disease such as schizophrenia.

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