Are gut bugs bugging you?

Skin Microbiome    (Public Domain)

Most of us are only about 43 percent human, but not because of the way we carry on.  In fact, our behaviors are greatly influenced by that other 57 percent.

The majority of our body cells are part of a microbiome which “includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and single-celled archaea.”  Their combined genes are known as our “second genome.”

This second genome has been linked to physical conditions such as obesity and Parkinson’s.  Research indicates that it might also be linked to “depression and autism.”

Which raises an intriguing question: Can changing one’s microbiome be a means of achieving better mental health?

Resources

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-bacteria-are-changing-your-mood

Copyright February 29, 2020 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved