Gut Microbiome and Depression: How Microbes Affect the Way We Think.

Cureus. 2020;12(8):e9966
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Plain language summary

Recent findings have shown that a healthy gut microflora transmits signals to the brain through various pathways, namely the gut-brain axis. With the gut and brain working in a bidirectional relationship, emerging research suggests this could potentially impact stress, anxiety, depression and cognition. Therefore the aim of this review was to determine the role of the gut microbiome in mental health and depression. A total of 26 articles were reviewed and based on these articles, a strong link exists between the gut microbiome and its impact on mental health. Additionally, the literature supports the notion that the gut-brain axis serves as an essential pathway. Based on these findings, the authors agree there is a strong association between the gut microbiome and mental health, while also acknowledging the need to establish a causal link between these two entities. The authors conclude that the microbiome is a promising approach when considering the prevention, treatment and management of mental health diseases in the future.

Abstract

The gut microbiome serves an important role in the human body. Reportedly, one of the benefits of these microflora is on mental health. Once established, food and other dietary sources that enhance quality microbiome content in our gastrointestinal system will be a significant consideration in individuals' day to day lives. This literature review conducted a PubMed search for studies about the gut microbiome and its relation to depression. In using several Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) keywords, relevant literature was selected. A total of 26 articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and after checking the articles' accessibility. This literature would like to establish the role of the gut microbiome in depression. This study's findings showed that there is a strong association of microbiome function to mental well-being.

Lifestyle medicine

Fundamental Clinical Imbalances : Neurological ; Digestive, absorptive and microbiological
Patient Centred Factors : Mediators/Gut microbiome
Environmental Inputs : Diet ; Nutrients ; Microorganisms
Personal Lifestyle Factors : Nutrition ; Psychological
Functional Laboratory Testing : Not applicable
Bioactive Substances : Lipopolysaccharides ; LPS

Methodological quality

Jadad score : Not applicable
Allocation concealment : Not applicable
Publication Type : Journal Article ; Review

Metadata

Nutrition Evidence keywords : Dysbiosis ; Mediterranean diet ; Gut-brain axis