The "gut-microbiome-brain axis" -- gut bacteria may affect psych status

[Stef]

Hi All,

I just read an interesting article from Prevention Magazine that I thought you might want to read -- http://tinyurl.com/l9mh4dx. The recent forum discussions about the effects of nutrition, diet and supplements on POIS made me think that this article might be intriguing, if not possibly helpful, for some of you.

It's about early research on the role that gut bacteria may play in one's psychological state. It addresses inflammation and the immune system, potential dietary measures that might naturally help "balance" the gut bacteria, the use of OTC probiotics, and the potential benefit of adding fermented foods (eg. yogurt) to the diet.

The article refers to research by Ted Dinan, MD, PhD, a psychiatrist from the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center at the University College Cork in Ireland. He's apparently considered THE expert in the field of probiotic/psychiatric research. They also mention A US psychiatrist, Dr. Kelly Brogan. Both have published studies related to the "gut-microbiome-brain axis."

For the record, I don't believe that POIS is a "psychiatric" condition. But improving the gut flora might possibly alleviate some POIS symptoms. Might be worth looking in to.

Warmest wishes,
Stef

[Clycos]

Im a strong believer in the Gut-Brain axis; especially when considering the fact that 80% of our immune system is in our gut and that POIS might be an immune disorder. Great read, thanks for the contribution Stef!

[COLM_2]

Couple of interesting study articles on Gut
--------------------------------------------------------
Scientists discover probiotic that reduces stress http://bit.ly/1jVbJ0B

The microbial mix: Invite the right guests to the dinner party in your gut (worth reading to the end ref; Vagus Nerve) http://bit.ly/1OoqaCz

[Quantum]

Couple of interesting study articles on Gut
--------------------------------------------------------
Scientists discover probiotic that reduces stress http://bit.ly/1jVbJ0B

The microbial mix: Invite the right guests to the dinner party in your gut (worth reading to the end ref; Vagus Nerve) http://bit.ly/1OoqaCz

Thanks for those 2 interesting links, Colm.  I sure do continue to take my mutli-strains probiotics , not on a daily basis, but quite often, and research has only good news about this.

I have found another article of the same kind, at https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201206/do-probiotics-help-anxiety , explaining quite the same thing, but talking longer about the vagus nerve role in this probiotics story.

At http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/07/ingesting-friendly-bugs-probiotics-reduce-anxiety.aspx , I have found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus was good for helping with GABA production, so this ease anxiety.  When I checked in my formula,  there is 2 strains of  Lactobacillus rhamnosus in it.... hehe, great :-)

Take care, Colm!

[COLM_2]

That's a really interesting article, and with specifics on positive Vagus Nerve impacts in the mice used in the A/B study, to lower stress and positively influence mental health benefits.

As the previous study I linked to is 3 years more recent, and specifically about this gut bacteria/probiotic Bifidobacterium longum 1714, specifically its impact on stress levels and it was actually conducted on humans, perhaps it is a good advancement in this field of knowledge to late 2015. Not a better or worse situation, rather very complementary knowledge on areas you have articulated very well on the blood brain barrier Quantum (if that is the correct term).

Here is a link I just found to that actual short study paper (you might be able to make more sense than I). However, it looks like very positive results when placebo is compared to the group taking the 1714 probiotic https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/academic/psychiatry/Allen_NeuroIreland_2015_BifLongum.pdf

This is also a video overview I found which also speaks about the study and the background and goals for the type of Gut Brain axis work into the future http://youtu.be/Qqiv04TYaQE

I wonder what foods are a good source for  Bifidobacterium longum 1714 ? The gut brain axis is fascinating for the future.

Also, here's a general Wiki piece on Bifidobacterium longum (not specially the 1714 one)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bifidobacterium_longum

Further studies planned looking at other mental health related disorders such as explained at one of the original articles I posted...

"Further study will look for biotherapeutics for autism spectrum disorder and associated central nervous system disorders. There is a huge unmet need for new treatments, given that one in 70 children is reported as having a spectrum disorder. Many spectrum disorder patients also have gastrointestinal problems, and so do patients with depression and anxiety.
Research has shown these conditions reduce the ability to keep certain molecules from crossing through the gut wall to cause inflammation.
One early approach will be to look for substances that can improve the gut’s barrier function and prevent the inflammation, Dinan says."

[Quantum]

I wonder what foods are a good source for  Bifidobacterium longum 1714 ? The gut brain axis is fascinating for the future.

Also, here's a general Wiki piece on Bifidobacterium longum (not specially the 1714 one)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bifidobacterium_longum

Hi Colm,

I , too, is very interested in the developments of this new field of probiotics research.  I will keep an eye on new results, in particular for "psychobiotics", strains that show benefits for mood and emotional well-being.

When there is research on a specific strain of probiotics that has a specific number ID like "1714", usually a company has a medical patent for that strain.  So, if you want this exact strain, you will have to look for the OTC probiotics capsules this company will put on the market.  It works that way because the company wants to get money back from what they have invested in the research. 

The twist is, it may happen that this particular strain leads to better clinical results, but that does not mean that another Bifidobacterium longum strain will show no benefits. And, usually, the patented brands backed by clinical research are more expensive, due to the research cost, the publicity cost, and the cost for sending representatives in physicians offices in order to make their product known, and show that it is backed by scientific studies.  In the long run, it may be more profitable for the company, especially if physicians recommend their specific product to patients, usually resulting in them going for this exact brand name.  All that is ok, health is a business, after all, like any other business.

For example, you can find on pharmacies shelves the Align brand, a probiotics specialty aiming at the relief and management of  irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  The particular strain you find in it is exclusive to this company ( Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis 35624 ).  That does not mean that other, high quality probiotics will no be beneficial for IBS.

In the meantime, I use my multi-strains probiotics mix.  At the least, I recommend those taking probiotics to make sure they contains both Bifidobacterium strains, which have a preference for the large intestine, and Lactobacillus strains, that will colonize the small intestine.  Having both, you cover the whole length of your guts.

 

[COLM_2]

Thanks for explaining that nuance Quantum, very helpful to understand more about it.

Plus a further article on various research in 2015 on micro biome research for autoimmune conditions etc http://labiotech.eu/microbiome-industry-potential-turns-groundbreaking-applications/

[COLM_2]

Thanks for explaining that nuance Quantum, very helpful to understand more about it.

Plus a further article on various research in 2015 on microbiome research for autoimmune conditions etc http://labiotech.eu/microbiome-industry-potential-turns-groundbreaking-applications/

[berlin1984]

I wanted to make a new thread about Yogurt, but maybe this thread here fits better.

I think I really feel more calm and balanced (more stress resistent, less easy to get angered, more temper, more patience) since eating Yogurt daily. I don't take probiotic pills regularly (maybe once a week) and sometimes eat kimchi (1-2 week).

Probiotic found in yogurt can reverse depression symptoms
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170308114709.htm

Can probiotic yogurt cure your psychiatric ills?
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/scicurious-brain/can-probiotic-yogurt-cure-your-psychiatric-ills/

The answer involves GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces the activity of neurons. When Mr. Bravo looked at the brains of the mice, he found that those fed probiotics had more GABA receptors in areas associated with memory and the regulation of emotions. (This change mimics the effects of popular antianxiety medications in humans.)
Furthermore, when he severed the nerve connecting the gut and brain in a control group of mice, these neural changes disappeared. The probiotic diet no longer relieved the symptoms of stress.
https://www.wired.com/2011/09/the-psychology-of-yogurt/

So if you're looking for an alternative to popping Taurine, Theanine and Passion Flower, maybe Yogurt can work.

PS: For many reasons, I think milk products are not good. But I love butter and now yogurt. So i make an exception for those, I don't drink pure milk and I don't eat cheese.

[berlin1984]

One more:

Distinct Gut Bacterial Communities are Associated with Personality Traits: Study
http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/gut-bacteria-personality-traits-10670.html

[ozmoses]

Good discussion and thoughts.  I actually started taking high dose multi strain probiotics not long before my POIS symptoms started up again as an adult.  It is possible to overdo it and there are many strains that are histamine increasing/lactic acid raising.   

I did a GI map stool test and it showed high H Pylori levels, very high gut bacteria (probably due to supplementation) but also poor diversity.   I'm almost certain that there is a pathogenic component to our symptoms, but also perhaps a mast cell element as well.   After years of experimentation, various tests, etc. my symptoms are usually lasting less than two days now although even at my best, I'm still probably at 75% of what I was before POIS remerged.    For me, a cholinesterase deficiency (blood testing supports this) is likely a big part of the problem.  Anticholinergic antihistamines and stuff like oxybutynin/glycopyrrolate have been important for my progress.  Some nootropics as well, piracetam/phenylpiracetam, centrophenoxine... and generic adderall too.

[ozmoses]

Apparently, rhamnosus increases oxytocin levels as well.

Couple of interesting study articles on Gut
--------------------------------------------------------
Scientists discover probiotic that reduces stress http://bit.ly/1jVbJ0B

The microbial mix: Invite the right guests to the dinner party in your gut (worth reading to the end ref; Vagus Nerve) http://bit.ly/1OoqaCz

Thanks for those 2 interesting links, Colm.  I sure do continue to take my mutli-strains probiotics , not on a daily basis, but quite often, and research has only good news about this.

I have found another article of the same kind, at https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201206/do-probiotics-help-anxiety , explaining quite the same thing, but talking longer about the vagus nerve role in this probiotics story.

At http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/07/ingesting-friendly-bugs-probiotics-reduce-anxiety.aspx , I have found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus was good for helping with GABA production, so this ease anxiety.  When I checked in my formula,  there is 2 strains of  Lactobacillus rhamnosus in it.... hehe, great :-)

Take care, Colm!