The so-called gut-brain axis underlines the strong connection between the gut and the psyche. This complex system of information exchange between the gut and the brain could have significant effects on our physical and mental health. “The realization of the role that the bacteria in us seem to play in our health and even in our personality was one of the most important discoveries of the last 50 years,” emphasizes Anthony L. Komaroff from Harvard Medical School, according to Tagesschau.
There are numerous microorganisms in our intestines such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, which together form the microbiome. It is estimated that our bodies are overseen by between 30 and 100 billion of these microorganisms. These vital functions by supporting digestion, producing important substances and protecting against pathogens. Andreas Stengel, chairman of the German Society for Neurogastroenterology, characterizes the intestine as an organ that is “always in contact with the environment through what we absorb”. This interaction enables communication with the brain via the gut-brain axis, which is mediated by nerve fibers and signaling substances in the blood.
