The human body hosts a large population of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Together, they are known as the microbiota. The gut microbiota is a collection of microorganisms that operate within the digestive system and play a crucial role in overall metabolism.
Numerous studies have identified multifactorial interactions between the gut microbiota and the nervous system. Additionally, it is possible to observe how an imbalance of gut bacteria affects both the immune and nervous systems.
It has been discovered that patients with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism have significant alterations in the composition of their gut microbiota. Stress factors and a diet based on processed and industrialized foods will trigger inflammation and, consequently, affect the immune system, mood, causing anxiety, depression, among other imbalances.
The gut microbiota can influence brain function and is responsible for producing a significant portion of neurotransmitters (derived from protein sources) such as serotonin and dopamine. Approximately 90% of the body's serotonin levels are produced in the gastrointestinal system. These neurotransmitters are used to regulate processes such as learning, memory, sleep, and mood.
In the case of depression, we know that there is a decrease in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels. Since not all patients respond to medication that increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, researchers have attempted to identify other factors that may cause depression to persist, such as the environment, changes in the autonomic nervous system, neuroinflammation, and dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut microbiota). It has been concluded that the composition of the microbiota in these patients is different, with a predominance of "bacteroidetes" and "proteobacteria" instead of other beneficial components.
A healthy, balanced, and diversified diet plays a crucial role in the composition of the microbiota, strengthening the immune system and health, as well as contributing macronutrients responsible for neurotransmitter formation. Fiber-rich foods, known as prebiotics, feed beneficial microbiota. In general, large amounts of these prebiotic fibers are found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains such as wheat, oats, and barley. Another highly beneficial class of foods includes those containing probiotics, live bacteria that are good for the digestive system and can further improve the gut microbiota. These include fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt with live active cultures (bifidus), pickled vegetables, kombucha tea, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut.
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