THE MICROBIOTA-GUT-BRAIN AXIS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Pratibha Bhatt* and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Goyal

ABSTRACT

Ever had butterflies in the stomach or a gut feeling? These stomach's feelings reflect a connection between our brain and gut. Additionally, current research indicates that gut health may even have an impact on the health of our brain and vice-versa. The gut-brain axis is the term used to describe the communication pathway between our gut and brain. The enteric and central nervous systems are connected by a bidirectional communication network called the gut-brain axis. In addition to being anatomical, this network also includes endocrine, humoral, metabolic, and immunological pathways for communication. The brain can regulate intestinal processes, including the activity of functional immune effector cells, through the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and nerves in the gastrointestinal tract, whilst the gut can influence mood, cognition, and mental health.

Keywords: Gut- Brain axis, Gut microbiota, Short-chain fatty acids, Stress, IBS, Probiotics, Galanin, Intestinal tight junction.