It seems these last few years, I couldn’t help not avoiding the revelations and heightened awareness in our changing world of the human microbiome. Concomitantly, after each news article of microbiome’s importance, I’d ponder the notion that I’d thought we knew it all. We’re still learning. I’m still learning, implementing, and drinking a concoction in the morning, and have millions of white-capsulated good bacteria sitting on a shelf next to magnesium and hyaluronic acid supplements. I love my brain’s vitality at this advanced age and the stability of my gut, aided and abetted with occasional boosts of low-calorie prune juice. Yes, I’m of that age. La-di-dah.
The human microbiome, a vast community of trillions of microorganisms residing primarily in the gut, plays a pivotal role in both gut health and brain function. Firstly, the microbiome is integral to gut health as it assists in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, produces essential vitamins like B and K, and helps to maintain a balanced immune system. Furthermore, a diverse and well-balanced microbiome contributes to the preservation of the gut lining, preventing inflammation and leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream, which can have widespread health implications.
Secondly, the gut-brain connection, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis,” underscores the importance of the microbiome for brain health. Research suggests that the microbiome can influence mood, behavior, and even cognitive function. This communication between the gut and the brain occurs through various pathways, including the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the gut, which can affect mood and the release of signaling molecules that can influence brain function. An imbalance in the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, nurturing a healthy microbiome through a balanced diet, probiotics, and lifestyle choices can have far-reaching effects on both gut health and brain function, highlighting its critical importance to overall well-being.
Maybe someone might come along now and make me a poster boy for good microbiome and brain health. It surely helped me become a lecturer at Rutgers University four years ago, teaching Career Explorations on College Avenue, and finishing my second novel a few weeks ago. ‘There’s A Tortoise in My Hair; Yes, it is about brain health and my septuagenarian status.
Calvin Schwartz
Picture: Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/medical-stethoscope-placed-on-white-background-4386464/
