The human microbiome and mood swings

The human microbiome and mood swings

The human microbiome (located on the surface of the skin and all organs/tubes in the body that are exposed to air) has a profound impact on not only our physical health, but also our mental health. Did you know that the total DNA of all microbes in a healthy body is 200 times that of human DNA? And more importantly, some of these microbial genes not only help the microbes themselves, but also us!

Where do we get the microbiome from?

The baby is assumed to be infertile in the womb. Only after birth does the baby come into contact with the mother's microbiome for the first time as it passes through the maiden canal. This, together with the microbiome in breast milk, plays a crucial role in the beginning of the development of the immune system. (Therefore, babies born by cesarean section and/or who are not breastfed have weaker immune systems). Later in life, the microbiome is constantly influenced by environmental influences. (Therefore, over-sterilization and constant use of antimicrobial soaps, etc. have a negative impact on the development of the human microbiome). An interesting thing to note here is that playing with dogs (but not cats!) helps build a healthy microbiome. And last but not least, proper nutrition and avoiding medication is another factor in maintaining the health of our microbiome.

What do microbes do for our mood and our brain?

We now know that the microbes support digestion, immune system function and the production of vitamins, among other things. But did you know that these same microbes play a role in our emotions and brain development?

Microbes make two important compounds, ARA and DHA, both of which instruct brain cells to divide. Therefore, these connections are crucial for babies and young children as their brains are still growing and developing. ARA and DHA have been shown to play important roles in learning and memory.

In addition, intestinal bacteria send signals to the brain when they produce neurotransmitters such as:Melatonin(regulates sleep and inflammation),Acetylcholine(regulates endocrine and REM sleep function),GABA(regulates anxiety) and serotonin (regulates mood, social behavior, appetite, sex drive, sleep and memory), to name a few. In other words, the state of the gut microbiome can largely determine whether you will feel happy or depressed.

How to build a healthy microbiome

• Eat plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber and probiotic foods.

• Avoid sugar, alcohol and dead (i.e. processed) foods.

• Avoid antibiotics - they don't kill viruses, they kill all good microbes, and they make diseased bacteria more resistant.

Inspired by Vyara Bridgeman