The human microbiome (located on the surface of the epidermis in addition to all organs/tubes from the body which are exposed to air) has a profound impact not only on our physical but also on our psychological health. Were you aware that the whole DNA of all of the microbes in a wholesome body is 200 times the human DNA? And furthermore, some of these microbial genes not only help themselves but they also help us!

Micromiobe

Where can we get the microbiome from? It’s considered that the infant in the womb is sterile. It’s not until birth the baby has its own first exposure to the mother’s microbiome when passing through the virginal canal. That, along with the microbiome from the breast milk, plays an essential role in the beginning of the immune system development. Later on in life, the microbiome is continually being affected by exposure to the environment.

One interesting point to notice here is that playing with dogs (although not with cats! And last but not least, good nutrition and avoidance of medication is just another element in maintaining our microbiome healthy. What do microbes do for our mood and our brains? Now, we know that the microbes assist digestion, immune system working and the creation of vitamins, among other things.

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The exact microbes play a part in our emotions and mind development? Microbes make two major compounds, ARA and DHA, both of which inform brain cells to divide. Hence, these chemicals are crucial for infants and young children as their brains are still growing and growing. ARA and DHA have been shown to cover an essential role in memory and learning.

Furthermore, gut bacteria send signals to the mind as they make neuro-transmitters like melatonin (regulates inflammation and sleep ), acetylcholine (modulates endocrine and REM sleep function), GABA (regulates anxiety) and dopamine (modulates, mood, social behaviour, appetite, libido, memory and sleep ), to mention but a few.

To put it differently, the condition of the gut microbiome can determine to a large extent whether you will be feel depressed or happy. Eat loads of soluble and insoluble fiber in addition to probiotic foods. Avoid sugar, alcohol and lifeless (i.e. processed) food. Avoid antibiotics – they do not kill germs, they kill all the bacteria that are good, and they create pathological bacteria more resistant.