by Peter Marino, MS

Gut flora and mental health, a topic that can be both perplexing and enlightening. Recent studies have brought to light the intricate relationship between our gut microbiome and our mood.

It's as if the tiny microorganisms residing inside our digestive system have a direct line to our brain, influencing our emotions and behaviors in ways previously unheard of. But how does gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, affect our mood? The answer is a convoluted one, with research still in its infancy. That said, there are promising findings that suggest this connection is more significant than we ever imagined. So, let's delve into the depths of the gut-brain axis and explore how our gut flora affects our mental well-being.

Gut flora and mental health are two concepts that may seem totally unrelated at first glance. However, recent research has shown that there may be a fascinating link between the two that you need to know about.

We all have trillions of bacteria living in our gut, and when these microbes become imbalanced, it can cause a condition called gut dysbiosis. This imbalance has been linked to a number of mental health

issues, including depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia, ADHD, Asperger’s, and autism spectrum disorders. In fact, evidence has also been accumulating that autism spectrum disorders (ASD), some forms of mental illness and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) are closely tied to the gut microbiota. A study by De Angelis et. al. compared the fecal microbiota composition of healthy children with children that had either PDD-NOS or ASD and showed there was a gut dysbiosis in the children with PDD-NOS or ASD (2013). Another study suggested that the rise of autism spectrum disorders may be related to the increase in the Clostridium bacteria in the gut of toddlers and how environmental glyphosate levels may be contributing to it (Argou-Cardozo & Zeidán-Chuliá, 2018).

The idea that the state of our gut can affect our mood may seem perplexing, but it's actually quite logical when you consider the fact that 95% of our serotonin (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut (Terry & Margolis, 2017). This burst of insight into the connection between gut dysbiosis and mental health has led to a surge of interest in the use of probiotics and other gut-friendly remedies to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of mental illness.

So if you've been struggling with your mental health and haven't considered the state of your gut, it may be time to start paying attention!

Introduction to Gut Dysbiosis

Gut flora is essential not only for maintaining physical health but also for mental wellbeing. Scientists have been studying the fascinating connection between gut dysbiosis and mood swings.

Numerous studies have shown that our microbiome communicates with the brain about our physical and emotional states. Disrupting the gut microbiome can lead to various mental health issues, such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders (Appleton, 2018).

The Role of Gut Bacteria

The human gut is a complex system of tiny microbes that work together to affect our health via functions such as producing metabolites, breaking down foods, and allowing the absorption of nutrients (Thursby & Juge, 2017). Furthermore, as Bull & Plummer state: “the gut–brain axis is a communication system that integrates neural, hormonal, and immunological signaling between the gut and the brain, offering the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites a potential route through which to access the brain” (2014). Though medication and therapy are typical treatments, diet modifications, probiotics, and enzymes have

shown promise for mental wellness. Could our increasing knowledge of the gut microbiome revolutionize psychiatry? Only further scientific exploration can tell.

Mechanisms of Action & Research

The connection between gut health and emotional wellbeing is a relevant subject in microbiome research. Previously, scientists knew that gut microbes were important for overall health, but recent research has revealed their impact on mental health and emotions. The most intriguing findings reveal that gut bacteria can produce neuroactive compounds that affect the brain and regulate stress.

The mechanisms are complex and involve factors such as the gut-brain axis and neurotransmitter regulation. The findings also demonstrate the link between specific bacterial strains and personality traits, including extroversion and neuroticism (Kim et al., 2018). Consequently, this research provides new opportunities for potential treatments and interventions to enhance both physical and mental health through exercise, diet, and supplementation. We should continue exploring the link between the gut and the brain for potential new treatments and interventions for mental health.

Treatment Approaches

There are various ways to treat gut dysbiosis, which is when there's an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Some people use probiotics to restore balance to the microbiome, while others consume prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus to nourish beneficial bacteria and increase diversity. However, many people with gut dysbiosis also suffer from IBS therefore eating these foods is not an option. Therefore, careful supplementation of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics along with key enzymes may help to realign your gut microflora to a healthier state. Bone broth and collagen are also great sources of good bacteria and essential nutrients for overall gut health. However, be careful which bone broth you use because many have garlic and onion which can exacerbate IBS and IBD. Working with a dietician and/or a gastroenterologist that specializes in this area can be the first step at getting your gut dysbiosis back in order.

Although the relationship between gut dysbiosis and mood is complicated, exploring treatment options like diet, enzymes, and targeted probiotics may help maximize the gut-brain connection.

Future Implications and Conclusion

As researchers explore the link between gut dysbiosis and mood, they are discovering impressive implications. Recent studies show that gut bacteria and stress response are strongly intertwined.

An imbalance in gut microorganisms can lead to serious mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. These findings have wide-ranging implications, from improving gut health to transforming mental health treatment.

Despite significant strides in understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and mental health, much remains to be learned. As we move toward a more holistic understanding of health and wellness, the link between gut bacteria and stress response will continue to raise new questions and avenues for exploration.

Summary

In conclusion, the intricate relationship between gut dysbiosis and mood is far from being fully understood. While research has shown promising associations between gut health and positive emotional states, many unanswered questions still linger.

The gut is often referred to as the "second brain," with its intricate neural connections linked to emotional well-being. However, the immense complexity of these interactions means that more research is needed to fully comprehend the depth and nuances of this connection.

One thing is clear; taking care of our gut health should be a priority for those seeking to improve their physical and mental health, as well as their emotional well-being. Armed with the latest advancements in science and technology, researchers continue to explore this fascinating area of inquiry, exposing the endless possibilities for improving our daily lives through gut health.

References

Appleton J. (2018). The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 17(4), 28–32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/

Argou-Cardozo, I., & Zeidán-Chuliá, F. (2018). Clostridium Bacteria and Autism Spectrum Conditions: A Systematic Review and Hypothetical Contribution of Environmental Glyphosate Levels. Medical Sciences, 6(2), 29. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3271/6/2/29

Bull, M. J., & Plummer, N. T. (2014). Part 1: The Human Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 13(6), 17–22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4566439/

De Angelis M, Piccolo M, Vannini L, Siragusa S, De Giacomo A, Serrazzanetti DI, et al. (2013) Fecal Microbiota and Metabolome of Children with Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. PLoS ONE 8(10): e76993. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0076993

Kim, H. N., Yun, Y., Ryu, S., Chang, Y., Kwon, M. J., Cho, J., Kim, H. L. (2018). Correlation between gut microbiota and personality in adults: A cross-sectional study. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 69, 374–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BBI.2017.12.012

Morais, L. H., Schreiber, H. L., 4th, & Mazmanian, S. K. (2021). The gut microbiota-brain axis in behaviour and brain disorders. Nature reviews. Microbiology, 19(4), 241–255. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-00460-0

Terry, N., & Margolis, K. G. (2017). Serotonergic Mechanisms Regulating the GI Tract: Experimental Evidence and Therapeutic Relevance. Handbook of experimental pharmacology, 239, 319–342. https://doi.org/10.1007/164_2016_103

Thursby, E., & Juge, N. (2017). Introduction to the human gut microbiota. The Biochemical journal, 474(11), 1823–1836. https://doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20160510