Posted in: Friday, June 10, 2022 – 8:40 PM | Last update: Friday 10 June 2022 – 8:40 PM
Although physiology or physiology is one of the basic sciences of medicine, on which its foundations have been laid and theories have been built, which have continued and are constantly evolving, it surprises us now with a new thing that did not occur to us before: In addition to all the known organs and systems of the body, there is a new member joining the well-known list It opens the door to amazing possibilities and functions that it performs automatically for the benefit of man: Why not while he lives in his intestines!
It has become known that more than one hundred trillion microbes live in our bodies, nearly ten times the cells of the human body itself. The majority of these microbes live in the intestine and exercise very important functions, as they support the work of the immune system in its battles with other harmful microbes and assist in the digestion of food and the production of vitamins.
What is new in the matter is that science is now looking into the details of a strong relationship between that genius entity that resides in the intestines and human mental health and the anxiety, depression and schizophrenia experienced by him!
The story came in the results of a scientific study published by JAMA Psychiatry, conducted by a joint scientific research team between Britain and Germany in the September issue of last year. The study came to answer the question that was reported regarding the essential role of friendly bacteria in the intestine in causing psychological disorders when changes occur in them: Disorders of the formation of gut bacteria microbiota in mental disorders.
The research team summarized their scientific conclusions by saying, “We have accumulated a lot of previous evidence indicating the importance of gut microbiota disturbances in many mental disorders, such as a lack of anti-inflammatory bacteria or an increase in inflammatory bacteria that were linked to the presence of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety.”
Comments on the results of the study came perhaps as important as the study itself, as there are comments from centers known for their superior scientific ability, such as Kings College, which issued scientific reports calling on doctors to increase awareness of the importance of gut health when considering the treatment of some psychological and neurological disorders.
In the field of mental health, speculation has begun to increase regarding a system of connections and communication between the digestive system and the brain called the gut-brain axis. Rather, it has also developed perceptions linking microbial infection in the digestive system and poor nutritional choices or excessive use of antibiotics without medical necessity, all of which can negatively affect colonies of friendly bacteria in the intestine, which affects this important axis between the intestine and the brain.
There was also support for the results of that important study at the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, which confirmed in a previous report that there are some diets that are associated with improved mental health, and indicated that the Mediterranean diet is the best example of this.
The report also pointed to the health of the gut microbiome, if it is in a healthy state, it changes the harmful effects of a high-fat diet and improves mood and behavior. Proper nutrition and probiotic foods also help reduce anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
It is clear that the path between the intestines and the brain is an open path in both directions. Anxiety may be associated with stomach problems and vice versa. The brain undoubtedly has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. The digestive system is sensitive to cases of sadness, anxiety, anger and joy, all of which lead to the appearance of symptoms in the human digestive canal.
In another proposal under the title “Foods that are good for the mood,” the American Heart Association stated that there are actually foods that are considered to improve a person’s mood, including fruits, vegetables, omega-3 acids, fish, nuts, and dark chocolate!
Glory be to God: the Creator who created and ordained and made the keys to health and disease in the simplest and easiest of things, so should we reflect on the symbols of His wisdom?