How gut bacteria affect the brain and body is fascinating. It is a fact that many people, including many doctors, have a great deal of difficulty in understanding and “getting their head around” the concept

We have co-evolved over millions of years with these organisms and we are utterly dependent on them for a huge range of bodily processes.

Numerically we have far more bacteria and other microbes than our cells. There are approximately ten times more. This means there is a vast amount of genetic diversity in our microbiota. the microbes in and on our body

This article is a brief overview of these processes. In later posts, we will investigate their roles in more depth.

Gut Bacteria Affect the Brain and the Body – The Two Effects

I find it fascinating that small microbes in our gut, mainly, can have such a profound effect on us.

The vast majority of these conditions are autoimmune diseases or are a side effect of an autoimmune disease. Also, keep in mind that most of these diseases are just the symptoms of an underlying cause. The symptoms have many different causes. In other words, there are multiple causes for every symptom.

Brain Effects

Depression: Around a third of sufferers have “leaky gut” or hyper-permeability of the gut. Some attribute depression to bacteria entering the bloodstream. However, this is not the cause. Dopamine, “the feel-good hormone”, is created in the gut. The non-functional gut does not produce the hormone resulting in depression.

Anxiety: Again a high proportion of sufferers have conditions such as IBS, “leaky gut” etc. The gut produces serotonin and other essential chemicals. IBS, “leaky gut” etc interrupt this production.

Schizophrenia: The lack of normal gut bacteria has been linked to changes in brain development. The correct gut bacteria ensure the normal functions of the gut, creating and releasing various hormones such as serotonin.

Parkinson’s Disease: Is, in simple terms, a lack of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. The guts epithelial cells and enteric neurons produce about 50% of the bodies dopamine. 

Body Effects

Can Probiotics Cure Coronavirus (Covid-19)? They can cure and prevent Covid-19, not directly but via the strengthing of the immune system.

Obesity and diabetes: These 2 go hand in hand. Generally, if you are obese you will also suffer a whole range of other ailments, such as hypertension, poor circulation and of course diabetes. The correct mix of gut bacteria is essential in this. There are 2 broad types, Bacteriodes and Firmicutes. If the Firmicutes dominate we get obese as they are super-efficient at absorbing carbohydrates.

Crohn’s Disease: This is generally accepted as an autoimmune disease. There is an imbalance between various strains of gut bacteria.

Colon cancer: Also known as Colorectal Cancer. Cancer is another autoimmune disease. Probiotics and the immune system are intimately connected. Probiotics reduce inflammation. Inflammation makes cancers worse.

Ulcerative colitis: This is a long term imbalance of the gut microbes which leads to ulcers of the colon and rectum. The main difference between ulcerative colitis and other IBDs is that it is long-lasting.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is caused by inflammation of the joints and is another autoimmune disease. Probiotics are essential in the immune response. It has a regulatory response to inflammation. Imbalanced probiotics cause long term inflammation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Possibly the most common. When the wrong bacteria overrun the gut then all sorts of problems occur. Usually, inflammation and bloating. This can lead to discomfort on the one end to diarrhoea on the other.

Eczema: We have a great case study of eczema treatment of a 40-year-old female