Describe how microbial communities in the body could influence brain and mental health states. Then, describe how brain and mental health states could influence microbial communities in the body. In what ways might these promote health and/or disease?
Gut microbiomes can influence the brain and mental health through systemic communication by affecting neurotransmitters through bacterial metabolites that produce Cytokines. Also, the production of butyrate of the microbes which is correlated with the activity of cells in the blood-brain permeability. The gut microbes break down the carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids such as fatty acid butyrates which enhance the blood-brain barrier by tightening connections between cells.
The brain and mental health influencing gut microbiota with changes in neural communication that causes behavioral or release of neurotransmitter, hormones, and steroid. An example is, in the early maturity life in the animal, the stress increased the level of corticosterone production. The stress situation cause the decline of gut function related to changes in the microbial community and gut differences.
Microbes and mental health are influenced by each other based on research done. Psychological and physical stressors can affect the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiome, while changes in the gut microbiome have been found to play a role in brain diseases like autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and depression.
