Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Your Gut Holds The Secret To Your Intelligence And Brain Power, Study Shows

Your gut microbe can directly influence how your brain functions and retains information, a new Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2426232122" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">study</a> shows. 

Researchers at <span>Northwestern University</span> have discovered that the gut microbiome of larger-brained primates, such as humans, produces more metabolic energy, which helps provide the brain with extra fuel to develop and operate. 

Dr Katie Amato, associate professor of biological anthropology and principal investigator of the study, said of the results: "Our study shows that microbes are acting on traits that are relevant to our understanding of evolution, and particularly the evolution of human brains."

Your gut microbiome is the ecosystem of microbes that live in your intestines. It plays an important role in maintaining the digestive process, boosting the <span>immune system</span> and ensuring the nervous as well as endocrine system stay healthy. 

<h2>Strong Gut Microbe, More Brain Power</h2>In this animal study, the scientists introduced gut microbes from two large-brain primate species (human and squirrel monkey) and one small-brain primate species (macaque) into mice that had no microbes of their own.

After eight weeks, the researchers observed clear results. The mice that received microbes from large-brain primates had higher gene activity, which meant they spent more energy and had better synaptic plasticity (the brain's ability to change the strength of connections (synapses) between neurons, making communication stronger over time). 

These same pathways were much less active in mice that received microbes from smaller-brained primates.

"What was super interesting is we were able to compare data we had from the brains of the host mice with data from actual macaque and human brains, and to our surprise, many of the patterns we saw in brain gene expression of the mice were the same patterns seen in the actual primates themselves," Dr Amato said. "In other words, we were able to make the brains of mice look like the brains of the actual primates the microbes came from."

<strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/11-brain-and-nerve-symptoms-neurologists-say-can-become-life-threatening-article-153482260" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">11 Brain And Nerve Symptoms Neurologists Say Can Become Life-Threatening</a>

<h2>Weak Gut Microbe, Higher Chance Of Brain Disease </h2>

The researchers also noticed that the mice that received <span>gut bacteria</span> from smaller-brained primates showed signs of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/adhd">ADHD</a></span>, schizophrenia, bipolar and autism. 

While previous studies have found links between mental conditions, such as autism and gut microbiome composition, this is the first time evidence has been discovered gut microbes contribute to these conditions.

"This study provides more evidence that microbes may causally contribute to these disorders, specifically, the gut microbiome is shaping brain function during development,

"Based on our findings, we can speculate that if the human brain is exposed to the actions of the 'wrong' microbes, its development will change and we will see symptoms of these disorders, i.e., if you don't get exposed to the 'right' human microbes in early life, your brain will work differently, and this may lead to symptoms of these conditions" Dr Amato explained.

<h2>How Can You Improve Your Gut Bacteria?</h2>

To strengthen your gut microbe, experts recommend eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, legumes such as beans and chickpeas as well as whole grains, including oats and quinoa.

Moreover, consuming fermented foods such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha introduces beneficial bacteria while items such as garlic, onions, asparagus and bananas help feed good bacteria. 

Doctors also advise staying hydrated, maintaining a proper sleep schedule, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation and cutting back on sugar, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, smoking and alcohol. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Gut Bacteria

brain activity

brain boosting activities

ADHD

Schizotypal Personality Disorder (Schizophrenia)

intelligence

immune system

Northwestern University

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Your gut microbe can directly influence how your brain functions and retains information, a new Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America study shows. Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that the gut microbiome of larger-brained primates, such as humans, produces more metabolic energy, which helps provide the brain with extra fuel to develop and operate. Dr Katie Amato, associate professor of biological anthropology and principal investigator of the study, said of the results: "Our study shows that microbes are acting on traits that are relevant to our understanding of evolution, and particularly the evolution of human brains."Your gut microbiome is the ecosystem of microbes that live in your intestines. It plays an important role in maintaining the digestive process, boosting the immune system and ensuring the nervous as well as endocrine system stay healthy. Strong Gut Microbe, More Brain PowerIn this animal study, the scientists introduced gut microbes from two large-brain primate species (human and squirrel monkey) and one small-brain primate species (macaque) into mice that had no microbes of their own.After eight weeks, the researchers observed clear results. The mice that received microbes from large-brain primates had higher gene activity, which meant they spent more energy and had better synaptic plasticity (the brain's ability to change the strength of connections (synapses) between neurons, making communication stronger over time). These same pathways were much less active in mice that received microbes from smaller-brained primates."What was super interesting is we were able to compare data we had from the brains of the host mice with data from actual macaque and human brains, and to our surprise, many of the patterns we saw in brain gene expression of the mice were the same patterns seen in the actual primates themselves," Dr Amato said. "In other words, we were able to make the brains of mice look like the brains of the actual primates the microbes came from."READ MORE: 11 Brain And Nerve Symptoms Neurologists Say Can Become Life-ThreateningWeak Gut Microbe, Higher Chance Of Brain Disease The researchers also noticed that the mice that received gut bacteria from smaller-brained primates showed signs of ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar and autism. While previous studies have found links between mental conditions, such as autism and gut microbiome composition, this is the first time evidence has been discovered gut microbes contribute to these conditions."This study provides more evidence that microbes may causally contribute to these disorders, specifically, the gut microbiome is shaping brain function during development,"Based on our findings, we can speculate that if the human brain is exposed to the actions of the 'wrong' microbes, its development will change and we will see symptoms of these disorders, i.e., if you don't get exposed to the 'right' human microbes in early life, your brain will work differently, and this may lead to symptoms of these conditions" Dr Amato explained.How Can You Improve Your Gut Bacteria?To strengthen your gut microbe, experts recommend eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, legumes such as beans and chickpeas as well as whole grains, including oats and quinoa.Moreover, consuming fermented foods such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha introduces beneficial bacteria while items such as garlic, onions, asparagus and bananas help feed good bacteria. Doctors also advise staying hydrated, maintaining a proper sleep schedule, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation and cutting back on sugar, artificial sweeteners, processed foods, smoking and alcohol. 