For the longest time, mental health conditions have been thought to be caused by brain chemistry, anatomy, physiology, or genetic or outside influences. However, scientists have begun to observe that there may be more factors affecting mental health. Research has recently uncovered a fascinating and sophisticated relationship between microbes in the gut and mental health. Consequently, it is now integral to examine their association in order to fully understand and, perhaps, properly treat anxiety. [1]
The importance of gut microbiota to anxiety is yet to be entirely elucidated. Yet, a lot has already been discovered. Examining some of the relationships between the various different mental health conditions and the various gut microbiome conditions that correlate with them begins to betray their true profound connection and possibly .
One such relationship that has been researched is between gut microbiota and Social Anxiety Disorder, or SADr. SAD is a common mental health condition, experienced by 12.1% of adults in the US at some point during their life, which causes apprehension of social interactions [2]. The underlying biology of SAD is yet to be uncovered, but studies have found a relationship between it and gut microbiomes. One experiment transplanted gut microbiota from patients with SAD into healthy mice. These mice then showed heightened social anxiety, highlighting gut health as a possible target for future treatment of the condition. [3]
So many more examples have and continue to be researched. Other main examples include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, ASD, and eating disorders [1]. Yet more research discerns evidence of influence of gender in what gut conditions are necessary for certain mental health conditions [4].The growing body of research continues to further our understanding of the strong connection between the two.
But, an important question is: How can the gut even have any impact on the brain? Currently, many are inclined to believe the relationship is through a two-way communication system called the gut-brain axis or GBA. By this communication, changes in microbial diversity, lower production of short-chain fatty acids, SCFA, and perhaps other alterations cause changes to be made in the brain.[5]
Overall, the relationship between the gut and brain is still being discovered. Maybe, in the future, this research could contribute to finding cures for mental conditions. Nonetheless, the relationship between the two is fascinating, and a chief example that science continues to expand and find new, incredible discoveries.
Sources:
[2] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder
[3] Social anxiety disorder-associated gut microbiota increases social fear – PubMed