The connection between the brain and the gut has long intrigued scientists. Plenty of research suggests that the trillions of bacteria living in our guts influence our mental health. But the mechanisms underlying this connection, and the specific microbes at play, have been difficult to parse. But research out this week might have pinned down one key player.
A paper published today in the journal Cell Metabolism identified circadian rhythm as a key connection linking the gut microbiome and mental health. The research, performed by a team from University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland, homes in on how our gut bacteria influence both our internal clocks as well as how our body responds to stress. The team identified specific gut bacteria that seems to be connection to both the body’s circadian rhythm as well as the release of a particular stress hormone.
