Can Bacteria Talk to Your Brain?

Your Microbes and Mental Health

Your brain and your digestive system are intricately linked. They interact so closely that some say they should be taken as one system. The link is the vagus nerve, a direct neuronal connection between the gut and the brain. It turns out the gut can bidirectionally communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve, known as the gut–brain axis.

Not only does an individual’s microbiome affect overall health and disease, but also can impact mental health. Anger, anxiety, stress, sadness and excitement can all trigger digestive symptoms, and the other way around. Depending on the balance of “good” vs “bad” bacteria in the gut, one’s personality can be dominantly aggressive, fearless, calm, or shy. Keep yourself and your gut healthy!