Gut bacteria are important for neurotransmitter synthesis, which bacteria are specifically

associated with the synthesis of which neurotransmitters?

ANSWER:

There are different kinds of bacteria present in the human intestine. Some examples are

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that synthesize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from

monosodium glutamate, the neurotransmitter for these bacteria are amino acids. Another one is the

Bacillus and Serratia the produce dopamine, the neurotransmitter for these bacteria are monoamines.

The bacteria present in our guts signals our brain and causing also reactions in it. There are such bacteria

in our body that when react with the brain through neurotransmitters, causes depression and anxiety. This

is how our body works interrelatedly.

Describe some of the links between hygiene, gut bacteria, and immunity

ANWER:

According to previous studies, there is an inverse relationship between hygiene and gut bacteria.

To be more specific, it is hypothesized that the lesser the contact with microorganisms, the more allergic

diseases were there. Moreover, the idea proposed that the more a person is having contact with

microorganism, the higher immunity it gets. It is supported by the study about the Homo sapiens, that

they have been evolving for thousands of years and they have interacting with friendly microorganisms in

the body. It is mentioned in the video that there is one study in which kids who lived in a remote

environment has higher bacteria than those kids who live in the city and confined in a closed

environment. These studies and observation greatly support the idea of this relationship.
What effect does probiotic usage have on depression and anxiety, why does this seem to be the case?

ANSWER:

Probiotic therapy has led to a reversal of behavior problems and to the normalization of

the immune response and norepinephrine levels in the brain (Clin Psychopharmacol

Neurosci. 2015). It means that when a species is suffering from anxiety and depression, there is

an irregularity or imbalance within the body. The role of this probiotic is to reverse the elevated

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response and depression. With the help of this

probiotic, there will be a balance within the body especially in the brain.

What role do diet and lifestyle seem to play in the gut-brain axis and therefore mental health?

ANSWER:

It is mentioned in the video that when people eat diverse food, more various bacteria will

probably live inside the guts as well. The more bacteria present cause more balance within the body.

Moreover, the reaction of our body depends on the food that we take, we have the full control of what

would happen in our body. The food that we take causes bacteria that synthesize with our

neurotransmitters and have brain reactions, this is when we feel we crave for something to eat. The

bacteria in our guts signals our brain to crave either vegetables or junk food. According to studies, the

people who has diverse diet has the higher possibility to have diverse bacteria in the guts. Healthy diet

and lifestyle are really significant and important, our health, both physically and mentally depends on us

alone.

What did you find most interesting or surprising and why?

ANSWER:

In my personal opinion, I find it really interesting that our body is made up of 90% bacteria,

according to the video entitled Microbes, Mental Wellness & Mealtime | Lisa Kilgour | TEDxKelowna. It
is also interesting how these bacteria intertwined with our immune system and how they are beneficial to

our body. I have learned that our brain and our gut are interconnected with each other and their activities

are interrelated. This idea is really significant because now, I am more aware that having a balance

environment will keep my body more stable and healthier. It is not only beneficial for my physical body

but for my mental health as well. Moreover, awareness to this scientific fact will benefit me to be more

cautious with my lifestyle.