What is your Gut telling you?

The gut microbiota exerts a profound influence on key brain processes via its role in the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, namely the gut-brain axis. Its roles in protecting against pathogens, regulating metabolic, endocrine, and immune functions and influencing drug metabolism and absorption has drawn attention to studies in the last 20 years.  The mechanisms between the cross talk are yet to be fully understood yet however it is asserted that microorganisms influence the central nervous system process bidirectionally via the vagus nerve, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, tryptophan metabolism, and synthetize of neurotransmitters. This process produces metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), that possess neuroactive properties.

The SCFAs acetate, propionate, and butyrate are the main metabolites produced in the colon by bacterial fermentation of dietary fibres and resistant starch. Growing evidence supports the idea that SCFAs also exert crucial physiological effects on the brain. Studies in animals and humans show that gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in behavioural and neurologic pathologies, such as depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and autism spectrum disorder, where microbiota manipulation and SCFA administration are proposed for treatment in such diseases.   

Appropriate assessment and treatment via SCFA manipulation is often required to prevent a rise in cortisol during times of acute stress in individuals especially suffering from anxiety, PTSD, and stress induced mood dysregulation, dementia, PMS and menopausal symptoms.