How can the organisms in your gut affect your brain?
Your gut contains 2.2 pounds of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, protists and viruses all share real estate in the lining of your intestine. These organisms make up your intestinal microbiome. We observe changes to the intestinal microbiome in a variety of neurologic and psychiatric diseases. They include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and anxiety, among others.
Your gut constantly communicates with your brain. The intestinal microbiome plays a large role in this.