Gut Microbiome and Mental Health

Gut Microbiome and Mental Health

September 2, 2023

Joy Stepinski, MSN, RN-BC

The relationship between the body and the trillions of bacteria and other microbes it harbors is extremely complex and continues to be discovered. A high diversity of microbes is beneficial to the body and is characteristic of a resilient environment. On the other hand, low diversity can contribute to disease. This can be related to poor diet, antibiotics, obesity, stress, and other factors [1]. The gut microbiome (the term for the abundance of microorganisms and their environment) can plan a role in mental well-being, in addition to physical health.

The gut contains its own nervous system, the enteric nervous system (ENS). Among the fascinating features are that it has as many nerve cells as the spinal cord, contains the largest amount of the body’s immune cells, and secretes at least 20 hormones through its endocrine cells. Often mirroring emotions that arise in the brain, the ENS is able to divert from normal activity when the body receives a threat. As a result, many emotional states likely serve as physical symptoms (irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, and others). The microbiota, the microbes within the gut microbiome, are thought to play a role with emotions because of their close proximity to the cells that determine the gut sensations [2].

Mental health is affected by the microbial environment. Disturbances of the microbiome have been noted with depression. In one study [3], researchers looked at fecal samples of depressed subjects (n = 34) and nondepressed (n = 33). Changes to the microbiota composition occurred with the depressed patients, with a reduction in diversity, especially of Prevotella bacteria (which is abundant in those who consume a plant-based diet). When the microbes were transplanted into rats, the animals likewise exhibited depressive behaviors.

While research continues on this subject, the gut health appears to have major implications for whole health. A healthy gut microbiome is important for our mental health!

References:

1.       Capuco, A., Urits, I., Hasoon, J., Chun, R., Gerald, B., Wang, J. K., ... & Viswanath, O. (2020). Gut microbiome dysbiosis and depression: A comprehensive review. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 24, 1-14.

2.       Mayer, E. 2016. Mind-Gut Connection. Harper Collins Publisher.

3.       Kelly, J. R., Borre, Y., O'Brien, C., Patterson, E., El Aidy, S., Deane, J., ... & Dinan, T. G. (2016). Transferring the blues: depression-associated gut microbiota induces neurobehavioural changes in the rat. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 82, 109-118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.07.019