Secrets of the gut microbiome and how it impacts our long-term brain health
Summary
The gut microbiome is a community of tiny microbes living in our intestines that helps our health by making vitamins, supporting our immune system, and protecting us from harmful germs. Research shows the gut microbiome may affect brain health and could be linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, with some treatments possibly preventing early stages of these diseases.Key Facts
- The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microbial cells living in our digestive system.
- These microbes produce vitamins, train the immune system, and help block harmful germs.
- Drugs called GLP-1s, used for diabetes and obesity, might protect the brain and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease early on.
- Parkinson’s disease may start in the gut, with constipation appearing up to 20 years before other symptoms.
- Misfolded proteins that cause Parkinson’s can travel from the gut to the brain along the vagus nerve.
- Cutting the vagus nerve has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s in some studies.
- The gut inflammation seen in Parkinson’s patients looks similar to inflammation in bowel diseases.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a mother’s gut microbiome changes to support her baby’s health, and breast milk composition changes throughout the day to meet the baby’s needs.
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