Psychobiotics: How gut bacteria mess with your mind: Microbe world

How exactly do gut bacteria influence the brain? The mechanisms are
becoming clear. The bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which is used in
dairy products, has potent anti-anxiety effects in animals, and works by
changing the expression of GABA receptors in the brain. These changes
are mediated by the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and gut. When
this nerve is severed no effect on anxiety or on GABA receptors is seen
following psychobiotic treatment with L. rhamnosus.

No comments: