The human gut microbiome

The human gut is home to over 35,000 species of bacteria, gut microbiome or our forgetting organ can change our behavior.

Gut microbiome can change behavior

This was proven in a mice experiment where gut bacteria were exchanged in mice which did result n thor behavior change. A cautious group of mice shows enhanced bold behavior. 

An obese individual has different gut bacteria than lean individuals, researchers found a difference in over 3000 bacterial genes in obese vs lean twins. 

Against depression and anxiety

Bacteria in the gut can also help against depression and anxiety. The gut microbiota of some suffering from major depressive disorder is different from an average person. Some bacteria in the gut help produce a chemical called neurotransmitters, a chemical messenger which helps to regulate our mood. As such is Serotonin, an antidepressant neurotransmitter. 80% of Serotonin is produced in the gut.  

Also PTSD

However, the gut microbiome helps develop the post-traumatic disorder (PTSD). PTSD patient shows a low level of 3 bacterias in their guts resulting in a weak immune system and heightened inflammation. 

Gut microbiota can also modulate pain response, mice pretreated with antibiotics shows increased hyperactivity. Supplementation of an antibiotic normalizes the pain. 

Second brain

The human gut is the second brain and can affect our cognitive behavior. In one experiment mice were treated with antibiotics. These mice performed worse in memory tests. That is because exposure to antibiotics disrupts microbiota. 

Imbalance of gut microbiome

An imbalance in the gut microbiome leads to various health problems. Antibiotics can increase the risk of obesity if overused in early childhood. Especially in the first 6 months of life when gut microbiomes are developing. It can also lead to intestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBM). Certain microbes in the gut produce chemicals that contribute to the blocking of arteries. 

Fetal and early childhood antibiotic exposure leads to the development of asthma. Antibiotics can trigger the release of toxic chemicals, lipopolysaccharides (LPS). These are large molecules found in pathogenic bacteria, and LPS-induced antibiotic leads to septic shock. LPS also triggers an autoimmune response after antibiotic treatment. 

A high-fiber diet can increase bacteria growth in the stomach.