The human microbiome and mood swings

The human microbiome (found on the surface of the skin as well as in all organs/tubes of the body that are exposed to air) has a profound effect on not only our physical but also mental health. Did you know that the total DNA of all microbes in a healthy body is 200 times that of human DNA? And more importantly, some of those microbial genes not only help microbes but also help us.

Where do we get the microbiome?

The baby in the womb is considered to be sterile. It is not until birth that the baby has its first exposure to the mother’s microbiome as it passes through the virginal canal. That, along with the microbiome in breast milk, plays a crucial role in initiating the development of the immune system. (Therefore, babies born by C-section and/or not breastfed have weaker immune systems.) Later in life, the microbiome is constantly influenced by exposure to the environment. (Thus, excessive sterilization and constant use of antimicrobial soaps, etc. negatively affect the development of the human microbiome). One interesting thing to note here is that playing with dogs (but not cats!) helps build a healthy microbiome. And last but not least, proper nutrition and avoiding medications is another factor in keeping our microbiome healthy.

What do microbes do for our mood and brain?

Now, we know that microbes help with digestion, the functioning of the immune system, and the production of vitamins, among other things. But did you know that the same microbes play a role in our emotions and brain development?

Microbes produce two important compounds, ARA and DHA, which signal brain cells to divide. Therefore, these compounds are crucial for babies and young children, as their brains are still growing and developing. ARA and DHA have been shown to play important roles in learning and memory.

In addition, gut bacteria send signals to the brain as they produce neurotransmitters such as melatonin (regulates sleep and inflammation), acetylcholine (regulates the function of endocrine and REM sleep), GABA (regulates anxiety) and serotonin (regulates mood, social behavior, appetite, sex drive, sleep, and memory), to name just a few. In other words, the state of your gut microbiome can largely determine whether you’ll feel happy or depressed.

How to build a healthy microbiome

• Eat plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as probiotic foods.

• Avoid sugar, alcohol, and dead (ie processed) foods.

• Avoid antibiotics: they don’t kill viruses, they kill all good microbes and make disease bacteria more resistant.