At an exciting intersection between psychology, neuroscience and biology, health experts have strived to learn more about how the gut flora, or microbiota, can impact our mental state. As research continues to advance, we are already discovering that there is in fact a second 'brain', housed not in our head, but in our digestive system.
¿ What is the gut microbiota?
Before delving into the impact that the microbiota has on our mind, it is first important to understand what we mean when we talk about 'gut microbiota'. This term refers to the vast community of microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more – that live in our digestive tract. Its impact on our health is immense; They are involved in the digestion and absorption of food, the production of essential vitamins, the body's defense against pathogens and, as researchers are discovering, much more of our psychology than we had previously imagined.
Bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut
One of the most exciting discoveries in this field was the identification of what is known as the gut-brain axis. This is a two-way communication system that allows the two areas to 'talk' to each other. Signals can travel from the gut to the brain, and from the brain to the gut; hence they refer to this as a 'two-way' pathway.
The gut-brain axis not only allows our digestive system to inform the brain of our nutrient needs, but it can also transmit information about our emotional state. This is partly due to the large amounts of neurotransmitters produced in our digestive tract. In fact, it is estimated that up to 90% of the body's serotonin - a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in our mood - is produced in the intestine.
The microbiota and emotions
The gut microbiota also appears to have an impact on emotions through its interaction with the gut-brain axis. That is, the microorganisms present in our intestine can produce their own neurotransmitters, thus influencing how we feel.
Research has suggested that changes in the composition of our intestinal microbiota may be linked to a series of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. By modifying the composition of our microbiota - whether through diet, probiotics, prebiotics, or fecal transplants - scientists hope to have a new way to treat these conditions.
Diets, probiotics and mental health
Diet has been revealed as a powerful way to shape the composition of our microbiota. Foods rich in dietary fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can encourage the growth of "healthy" bacteria in the intestine, which in turn can have beneficial effects on our mental health.
Additionally, has shown that probiotics – supplements containing live bacteria that are good for our health – have the potential to improve mental well-being. Some strains of bacteria, for example, appear to be particularly useful in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The future of microbiota-based psychiatry
With the emerging role of the microbiota in our mental health, the future of psychiatry could be radically different. Instead of simply prescribing medications to adjust chemical levels in the brain, mental health professionals could also consider microbiota-based interventions to improve the mental and emotional health of their patients.
It goes without saying. that the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the mind is complex and there is still much to discover. However, what is clear is that our gut bacteria not only play an essential role in our physical health, they can also have a profound impact on our mental and emotional health.
Conclusion
Over the last century, scientists have made revolutionary discoveries about the human mind and how our psychology can be influenced by factors both within and outside of our control. One of the most intriguing discoveries is the impact of the microbiota on the brain, suggesting that our second 'brain' may have as much to do with our mental health as the first.
It is clear that the relationship between Mind and microbiota is an ever-evolving field with significant potential to improve our understanding of mental health and potentially provide new avenues for treatment. As we continue to explore this exciting intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and biology, we will expand our understanding of the human mind and how we can more effectively support its health and well-being.