The link between the gut microbiome, mental health, and IBD

Abstract

"Gut health" is one of the latest trends to hit the internet. Aesthetically pleasing posts on Instagram and Tik Tok guide readers through "healing your gut microbiome" and hails it as a cure-all. Social media influencers tout apple cider vinegar shots and gluten-free diets to achieve it all: clearer skin, weight loss, and a better life. ¶

To the scientifically educated these claims create a justifiable amount of skepticism. While lifestyle changes can certainly positively impact overall health, it is not as simple as consuming green tea and eight glasses of water a day. However, this trend has prompted an interesting conversation and debate surrounding the symbiotic interaction between our gut health and the rest of our body. Recent research advances are particularly focused on the growing importance of the gut-brain axis (GBA)- the bidirectional relationship that is present between the enteric and central nervous system.