Do microbes control our mood?
If aliens were to examine a human, they would think we were just slavish organisms designed to feed microbes and carry them around. Our bodies contain ten times more bacteria than cells, and there are an estimated 3.3 million genes in the total bacteria DNA, which is 160 times the number of human genes. Our intestine hosts about one kilogram of bacteria which help to digest and metabolize food, produce vitamins and protect us from infections.
The above is textbook knowledge, but loads of recent studies are uncovering new and unsuspected roles for these little companions. There is evidence that gut bacteria can protect or predispose us to pathologies ranging from inflammation to diabetes and obesity. And, as far-fetching as it sounds, a remarkable amount data shows that they can even modify our mood and behavior.
What is the connection between the microbiota, the brain, and mood?
There is a growing evidence of a microbial gut-brain axis in which bacteria can influence the brain, and vice versa.
Researchers from Canada found that mice from a particularly shy species became more active and curious after receiving a gut microbial transplant from less inhibited mice. We know that some strains of intestinal bacteria produce compounds that have an effect on the nervous system: neurotransmitters, for example, or metabolites that alter the blood-brain barrier. We don’t yet know the precise mechanisms, but it’s quite clear that the gut microbes can influence mood and the behavioral patterns.
Journal article:
http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(11)00607-X/abstract
Source & further reading:
http://www.youris.com/Health/Immunology/Do-Microbes-Control-Our-Mood.kl
#neuroscience #BBB #microbiota #moodDisorders #science #research
Any development on the front of an organic rapist's drug to unleash sexual urges via surreptitious gut flora manipulation?
ReplyDeleteTrue!
ReplyDeleteI usually am a calm/relaxed driver, but I've been told that when hungry, I tend to be more 'pedal to the metal'. This is the proof that it is not me, it's the small fellows in my belly who takes over... :))
Toddlers who are fed very healthy and nutritious food will have good brains and moods 😃
ReplyDeleteWell, there's blood sugar to factor in as well, Viorel Racoviteanu. When you're hungry, there's less sugar available for the brain. The regulatory functions — the ones that make you suppress your impatience and behave politely — are the first to shut down in order to conserve energy, leaving your more aggressive instincts unchecked. I don't think being "hangry" has anything to do with gut biota.
ReplyDelete