We are learning more and more about the micro-organisms that populate our intestines and other parts of our digestive system. Please read the following article from Scientific American and comment on the connections between gut flora and mood disorders.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-bacteria-may-exacerbate-depress/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Answer:
Connections between gut flora and mood disorders (according to Scientific American article):
As the digestive tract and brain are cruucillc linked, so researchers have found evidences of bacterial translocation or "leaky gut" among people with depression. According to the article, "leaky gut" (i.e. intestine) can be caused due to the following reasons-
Normally human digestive system is surrounded by impermeable walls. But due to the presence of the leaky gut, the gut flora can pass through the digestive tract and mix with the bloodstream, which ultimately reach into the brain and affect cognitive function; by activating autoimmune responses and inflammation which are associated with the mood disorders (i.e. depression, lower mood and fatigue).
According to the study, Helicobacter pylori, an ulcer causing bacteria can cause Alzheimer's disease. Other bacteria that can cause mood disorders are-
To fight with this harmful gut flora affecting cognitive functions, a combination of glutamine, N- acetylcysteine and zinc was given to patients when behavioral and dietary modifications failed. This combination is believed to have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties which can neutralize the inflammation caused by gut flora; thereby reducing the chance of occurring mood disorders.
We are learning more and more about the micro-organisms that populate our intestines and other parts...
“We should investigate further. Maybe something new about Colony Collapse Disorder has been found,” Mark said. He was worried, not only because of the effects this was having on the emotional and economic standing of his family, but for what this meant for pollinating honeybee colonies all over the United States. Tanya entered the room reading an article titled “Solving the Mystery of the Vanishing Bees” that she had found inScientific American. “Look at this excerpt from an article by...