Prompt: Describe how microbial communities in the body could influence brain and mental health states. Then describe how brain and mental health states could influence microbial communities in the body. In what ways might these promote health and/or disease?
Microbial communities in the body could influence mental health state because of the brain-gut axis. The brain and mental health states could also influence microbial communities due to the brain-gut axis. The brain gut axis is a set of signals that allow the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system to communicate closely. This may promote health and/or disease because signals from the central nervous system, perhaps as a result of anxiety or depression, can result in exacerbated intestinal issues or stomach problems.
