Meet the ‘psychobiome’: the gut bacteria that may alter how you think, feel, and act

The Psychobiome

The “Psychobiome” may sound like a futuristic science fiction film. But in fact, it’s real, present-tense, and residing inside every one of our bodies. (1, 2)

Up to a thousand types of bacteria live in the human intestine, along with other microbes like viruses, fungi, and archaea. These microbes and all of their genetic material are known as the gut microbiome. (2, 3)

The gut microbiome actually weighs more than the human brain and is able to influence it, too. It does so through endocrine, metabolic, and immune signaling, as well as through the release of endocrine substances. This connection between gut microbes and the mind has been dubbed the psychobiome. (1, 2)

There has long been an awareness of a correlation between the gut and brain. For example, people with irritable bowel syndrome often have depression, patients with Parkinson’s tend to deal with constipation, and people with autism often have general digestive problems. (1, 2)

Now, growing evidence from international studies is scientifically establishing the connection between gut bacteria and disorders usually associated with the brain, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, autism, depression, and anxiety. Researchers are working to learn about the psychobiome and use it to treat these conditions. (1, 2, 3)

Mental Health and the Psychobiome

The link between gut bacteria and psychological disorders has led researchers to question if they can use certain microbes to treat them. Many of the available studies on the psychobiome have been done on animals. But in 2019, Jeroen Raes, a microbiologist at the Catholic University of Leuven, and his team analyzed the health records of two groups of people that had participated in surveys of their gut bacteria. (2, 4)

The first group consisted of 1,054 people who had participated in the Flemish Gut Flora Project and also had a diagnosis of depression. The researchers looked for groups of microorganisms that corresponded either positively or negatively with mental health. They noticed that the subjects who had depression usually had low levels of two bacterial species, Coprococcus and Dialister. This was true no matter what type of antidepressant treatment they were taking. (4)

Raes’ research team validated the first group’s data by comparing it to two other groups. One was an independent cohort of 1,063 individuals from the Dutch LifeLinesDEEP study. The other was a group of patients with clinical depression at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. The subjects in both of the other groups also had deficits of those two types of bacteria. (4)

In another study led by Raes, the research team had found an enterotype, which is a microbial community constellation, that was common in patients with Crohn’s disease. The enterotype, Bacteroides2, is characterized by low microbial count and biodiversity. In their study on the connection between depression and gut bacteria, the researchers found a similar community type connected to depression and decreased quality of life. (4)

Mireia Valles-Colomer, one of the authors of the study, said, “Many neuroactive compounds are produced in the human gut. We wanted to see which gut microbes could participate in producing, degrading, or modifying these molecules.” (4)

Valles-Colomer continued, “Our toolbox not only allows [us] to identify the different bacteria that could play a role in mental health conditions, but also the mechanisms potentially involved in this interaction with the host.” (4)

Psychobiome and Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis have been increasing globally. But it is unclear what is leading to the rise in patients with these disorders, and researchers have been unable to find successful treatments for them. (3)

However, there is evidence that some of the microbes that reside in the gut and how they communicate with the central nervous system could have some responsibility for the development of these neurological disorders. And it’s possible that gut microbes could play a role in treating them, too. (3)

Some studies involving rodents have set out to explore the connection between the psychobiome and neurological disorders. When mice and rats receive fecal transplants from people with Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, autism, or depression, they often develop the rodent version of the same disorder. (2)

But when the mice and rats are given fecal transplants from healthy humans, they sometimes relieve their symptoms. Studies like these have led some researchers to believe that gut microbes could be used as a treatment for neurological disorders. (2)

Supporting The Psychobiome with Probiotics

One way to encourage a healthy gut microbiome is to regularly take a probiotic. Probiotics are known to support digestive health, but the right one can also provide immune system support and promote a healthy microbiome.

ecoProbiotic from ecoNugenics is an organic probiotic drink with eight clinically-studied strains of live lactic acid bacteria, prebiotic nutrients, and 19 supportive herbs. Not only does it provide targeted digestive and immune health benefits, but it also offers advanced microbiome support.

ecoProbiotic is a fermented liquid formula, and because of this, it offers greater potency and bioactivity than other probiotics. ecoProbiotic’s liquid form makes it more bioavailable and helps it to deliver faster digestive relief than capsule-based products. Its invigorating, tart berry taste can be enjoyed straight, or mixed with water or juice.

Eight different clinically studied probiotic strains are included in ecoProbiotic:

Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) supports nutrient absorption, defends healthy bacterial populations, and promotes healthy intestinal function and digestion.
Bifidobacterium longum promotes a healthy gut environment, supports GI lining integrity, and supports healthy immune function and mood.

Lactobacillus acidophilus produces vitamin K and other nutrients that support a healthy microbiome. It also supports metabolic balance and immune function.
Lactobacillus casei supports GI lining integrity and promotes colon cellular health and metabolic balance.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus supports digestive health, respiratory health, and immunity.

Lactobacillus salivarius supports digestive health, oral hygiene, and immunity.
Lactococcus lactis converts a variety of carbohydrates to lactic acid for a healthy GI environment and supports the immune system through interaction with the gut mucosa.
Streptococcus thermophilus produces beneficial amounts of lactic acid and bacterial metabolites that promote a healthy microbiome. It also supports immunity and cardiovascular function.

Working along the probiotics are prebiotic nutrients from citrus pectin, which nourish healthy bacterial populations. Rounding off this powerful probiotic formula are 19 supportive herbs that provide additional benefits for digestive wellness and healthy immune function.

ecoProbiotic is a powerful formula that encourages a healthy gut microbiome.