Download Ess, Kelly L.

Kelly Ess
Microbiology
Assignment # 7
Dietary Changes to Gut Bacteria
A new study suggests that dietary changes to the bacteria that lives inside our guts
can have an impact on brain functioning. It has been shown that women who consume
yogurt in their diet have made an impact on their brain function, as well as other benefits.
Some yogurts contain a “good” bacteria, known as probiotics. In past studies, scientists
have shown a gut-brain connection in terms of the brain sending signals to the gut. The
new study shows that the gut could also send signals to the brain. This is the first study
that has shown an interaction between a probiotic and the human brain. In future
research, the scientists will be conducted a study that is more complex. For example, they
will study the correlation between probiotics and irritable bowel syndrome and/or
anxiety.
During the study, researchers found that women who consumed the probiotic had
changes in activity and certain brain regions. There are also studies to show that what we
eat can alter the composition and products of the gut flora. Through past studies, they
found that animals have also shown that altering gut bacteria can produce more anxious
or bold characteristics. In 2011, there was a study done in the Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences. They found that probiotics seemed to blunt physiological stress
response and lowered levels of the stress hormone.
So what it a probiotic? A probiotic is a live micro-organism. The most common
microbes used as probiotics are lactaid acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Certain yeasts
and bacilli can also be used. They are known for helping with the gastrointestinal system.
It helps with the relief of bloating, inflammation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or
discomfort.
Studies and theory’s pertaining to probiotics continue to be a part of research.
They will continue their studies to come up with new evidence that these microorganisms are helpful to us versus harmful.