Objectives
- BREIFLY review the findings from the research identifying the connection between the brain and the gut
- Differentiate gut health from proper nutrition
- Identify signs and consequences of poor gut health
- Explore the bidirectional relationship between the brain and the gut (second brain)
- Identify promising alternative approaches to treating mood (and other) disorders.
Overview
- Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world according to the World Health Organization. The effectiveness of the available antidepressant therapies is limited.
- Data from the literature suggest that some subtypes of depression may be associated with chronic low grade inflammation.
- The uncovering of the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of the immune system and its bidirectional communication with the brain have led to growing interest on reciprocal interactions between inflammation, microbiota and depression.
- The intestinal microbiota: A new player in depression? Encephale. 2018 Feb;44(1):67-74