Gut bacteria influence our emotions and behavior
Microbes living in our digestive system have a huge impact on our behavior. Researchers in California have shown that there is a link between the bacteria present in our intestines and the thoughts and feelings we experience.
According to a recent study conducted at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA – UCLA), there is a link between our stomach and m zg. Some re of the bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract are linked to regions of associated with our mood and og lnym behavior.
Previous studies have shown that emotional responses in rodents, including those related to anxiety and depression, gut microbiome content. UCLA researchers analyzed pr b stool samples taken from 40 women between the ages of 18 and 45. After studying pr bek participants were divided into two groups according to microb found in their pr bkach.
In the first group, which ra counted 33 people, showed a higher abundance of bacteria called bacteroides, while the other group of seven showed more microbial in the genus prevotella. The same women were then examined using magnetic resonance imaging. During the study, researchers showed them images designed to elicit a positive, negative or neutral emotional response.
As explained in the journal „Psychosomatic Medicine”, syndrome ł researchers found that the presence of the aforementioned group of bacteria in preponderance has some effect on m zg.
Women with more bacteria – bacteroides in the analyzed pr bkach, showed during MRI scans a larger volume of gray matter in the prefrontal cortex and insula – regions of the m zg, kt re process complex information – as well as a larger volume of the hippocampus, which ry is associated with memory. The subjects had a low tendency to experience negative emotions.
Women with a higher abundance of prevotella bacteria were observed to have a smaller volume of area In the more developed in os b with a greater number of microbial in the genus bacteroides. However, they showed better correlations in regions of m zgues responsible for affection, caring and sensuality. These women seemed to experience deeply negative emotions when viewing the images presented to them by the researchers. They reported higher levels of anxiety, irritability and nervousness.
According to the researchers, this may be because the hippocampus, in addition to functions responsible for memory, helps us also regulate our emotions. Decreased hippocampal involvement may be associated with increased emotional arousal.
The study pr bka is very small, as it was only 40 os b. The researchers concluded that further studies are needed on a larger number of os b to understand exactly how the bacteria present in our gut affect our emotional states. However, the study's conclusions are clear. There is a link between bacteria present in the digestive tract and thoughts and feelings, which e experience.
