- The Gut-Brain axis is a Bi-directional link between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) connected through millions of neurons and importantly the Vagus nerve. The other means of connection is biochemical, gut microbes that produce metabolites and neurotransmitters affecting brain health.
- Intestinal flora links the intestine permeability, immune system and entero-endocrine signalling with the cognitive and emotional brain centres.
- The response of CNS to physiological and physical stressors can affect gut homeostasis, and result in diseases such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Further, gut dysbiosis, inflammation and high lipopolysaccharide levels in blood have been associated with the number of brain disorders including severe depression, dementia, autism, schizophrenia etc.
- Brain-Gut axis provides a framework for understanding interconnectivity of organ-system-axis and provide a more holistic approach to brain health disorders.
- Evidence shows that certain families and genera of gut microbes are positively associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
- Thus, modulating the gut microbiome diversity with dietary intervention and dietary supplements incl. probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics etc., may have impact in reducing the associated symptoms, and can be used as tools to improve cognitive functioning.
- This can have real world impact on mental health and neuro degenerative diseases and potentially help improving the symptoms and overall health.
Further Reading
- Neurotransmitters: The critical modulators regulating gut-brain axis : bit.ly/3LnSYnf
- Gut Bacteria and Neurotransmitters : bit.ly/404LDNt
- The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems : bit.ly/3LmqSIP
- The gut-brain axis and what it means for the brain health category : bit.ly/3l6joiz
The simplified guide to the Gut-Brain Axis : bit.ly/3JacVLy
Published On: 13/03/2023