Human gut microbiota and regulation of human behavior
Bacteria; Behavior; Gut microbiota; Hormones; Regulation
The human body is often referred to as a microbiome, embodying a multitude of microbes. Specifically, the gut microbiome constitutes a cluster of bacteria within the gastrointestinal (GI) system. In both healthy individuals and those facing health issues, these bacteria significantly impact human physiology. They form an integral part of the unconscious system that exerts influence over human behavior. Globally, researchers are actively investigating the components of a good gut microbiome to enhance our comprehension of the role gut microorganisms play in health and disease. The gut harbors a diverse array of bacteria, encompassing both hazardous and beneficial types. Furthermore, studies on specific health-improving parasitic species are yielding biological insights that may propel the development of novel drugs. The gut microbiome directly impacts an individual's health by secreting physiologically active compounds like vitamins, essential amino acids, and lipids. Moreover, it indirectly influences the immune system and metabolic functions, thereby affecting moods and cognitive functions. Recognition of the role played by gut microbiota extends to various diseases and disorders. Evidence demonstrates significant interactions between the microbiome and certain drugs, profoundly shaping their intended effects. The interplay between the immune system, gut microbiota, and psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders, as well as conditions like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and autism spectrum disorder, is increasingly evident through ongoing research. This is unsurprising given the pivotal roles played by daily caloric intake, eating habits, and food composition in regulating various biological systems. Recent research sheds light on the intricate gut-brain axis (GBA), a two-way communication system where the gut receives signals from the brain, and vice versa. Microbes in the GI tract produce neurotransmitters that influence crucial functions like learning, memory, attention, and emotions. Even a slight change in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammatory reactions, connecting to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and influencing human behavior. Under stressed conditions, changes in the gut microbiome can harm helpful bacteria, reduce the variety of bacteria in our gut, and allow harmful bacteria to grow. This makes us more likely to get sick and causes inflammation in our gut. Some studies even suggest that chemicals produced by the gut during an infection can affect our brain, making us more prone to feeling anxious or depressed. Knowing that our gut microbiome influences our behavior, it's essential to pay attention to what we eat, avoid drugs that harm our gut bacteria, and consider taking probiotic supplements in our diet. 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Noel, Joe Karunya; Mahadevan, Madhumitha; Umesh, Mridul; Suresh, Sreehari
Advancing Science and Innovation in Healthcare Research: Health Horizons;pp.295-316
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-33351-4.00020-9 https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105019729127?origin=resultslist
Noel J.K., Department of Life Sciences, Christ University, Karnataka, Bangalore, India; Mahadevan M., Department of Life Sciences, Christ University, Karnataka, Bangalore, India; Umesh M., Department of Life Sciences, Christ University, Karnataka, Bangalore, India; Suresh S., Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India