“Gut Instincts” Shown To Be Real

We actually do know it in our guts. The Integral Options blog draws our attention to a recent article in Medical News Today outlining new perspectives on gut perception. Research conducted at McMaster University discovered a direct link between bacteria in the gut and the brain. This “cross talk” as the researchers refer to it, has serious health implications. In addition to more intuitive sounding health areas such as obesity and diabetes, the researchers found a correlation between the “cross talk” and psychiatric illnesses.

Using germ-free mice, Foster’s research shows gut bacteria influences how the brain is wired for learning and memory. The research paper has been published in the March issue of the science journal Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

The study’s results show that genes linked to learning and memory are altered in germ-free mice and, in particular, they are altered in one of the key brain regions for learning and memory the hippocampus.

“The take-home message is that gut bacteria influences anxiety-like behavior through alterations in the way the brain is wired,” said Foster.

The research not only validates our every day language but may lead the way towards more elegant medical therapies and treatments.

McMaster University

Medical News Today: “Knowing It In Your Gut Is Real”

[via Integral Options]