Brain health explained: What is the gut brain axis?
Dr. Elaine Patterson explains the link between our gut and brain
"Our gut microbiota, can communicate with the brain all along this gut brain axis and through this bidirectional communication pathway..."
"...It is central to regulating some of the most important functions within the body, such as our metabolism, our immunity, our digestion, our satiety, even our stress response..."
80-90%
of nerve fibers in the vagus nerve travel from the gut to the brain, allowing the brain to sense the environment within the gut4.
Gut-Brain Super Highway
The gut-brain axis is a biological communication pathway comprising:
- The gut (gastrointestinal tract)
- The enteric nervous system (located within the gut; regulates gastrointestinal function)
- The central nervous system including our brain 1.
Communication along this pathway is bidirectional and is critical for regulation of functions in the body such as immunity, digestion, metabolism, the stress response2, even sleep.
Communication Pathways
There are three main communication channels between the brain and the gut3:
- The enteric nervous system + the vagus nerve
- The endocrine system (hormones)
- The immune system
Evidence shows that bacteria in the gut (also known as the gut microbiota) produce neuroactive compounds and metabolites that can communicate with the brain along the gut-brain axis.
Better at any age
Current research indicates that the gut microbiota can modulate brain development and function across the lifespan through the gut-brain axis.
Is the “gut-brain axis” related to “brain” or “gut” health?
In the nutraceutical world, most of the time, people refer to “gut-brain axis” for brain health related products and benefits. At times, they also use it for gut health related queries.
The communication between the gut and the brain involves various signalling molecules, including neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune system factors.
"Gut-brain axis products" could refer to a range of substances or interventions designed to influence or support the communication between the gut and the brain. This may include:
- Probiotics: Live microorganisms, usually beneficial bacteria, that can positively impact the gut microbiota, potentially influencing mental health.
- Prebiotics: Substances that promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy microbiome.
- Fibre-rich foods: Diets high in fibre can contribute to a healthy gut environment and may have positive effects on cognitive function.
- Nutritional supplements: Certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are essential for both gut and brain health.
- Psychobiotics: Specific probiotics that may have a direct impact on mental health by producing neuroactive substances or modulating the gut-brain axis.
More food for thought...
Stress and the microbiota-gut-brain axis: a new frontier for stress management
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They psychobiotic era - why the right time is now
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Webinar: Shifting the paradigm with psychobiotics for sleep
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References:
Cryan et al. (2019). The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Physiological Reviews, 99(4).
Foster, Rinaman and Cryan (2017). Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome. Neurobiology of Stress, 19(7).
Morais et al. (2021). The gut microbiota-brain axis in behaviour and brain disorders. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 19(4).
Bonaz et al. (2018). The Vagus Nerve at the Interface of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12.