The ways in which microbes influence our brain functionality and mental health is many. The gut microbiome is being studied for many mental differences and disorders such as depression, anxiety, and autism. There is a very well known microorganism in the scientific community known as Toxoplasma Gondii, and it is well documented to influence the behavior of infected rodents in order to sexually reproduce. In addition to rodents, more and more evidence is being uncovered about T. Gondii that it can influence human behavior as well. Examples of behavior associated with T. Gondii include neuroticism, aggressiveness, reckless behavior, and even suicide. As for gut microbes, they seem to play a role in regulation of neurotic thinking, and perhaps even how one manages their diet. This can cause a feedback loop of bacteria influencing the brain to function and decide in certain ways, while those functions and decisions influence the kind of microflora inhabiting the gut. Hormonal and dietary changes influenced by the nervous system will in turn have an impact on the kind of microbes living in the gut.
