How the gut affects the brain<\/h2>\n
The gut and brain are connected through gut-brain axis<\/strong> \u2014 a complex system that includes:<\/p>\n nerve pathways (especially the vagus nerve)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n hormonal signals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n immune response<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Disruption of the microbiota causes inflammation, alters neurotransmitter metabolism, and affects brain activity. People with depression often have dysbiosis\u2014a reduction in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus<\/em>, Bifidobacterium<\/em>) and the growth of opportunistic pathogens.<\/p>\n A study [Zheng et al., 2016] found that transplanting microbiota from depressed people into laboratory mice causes depressive behavior in the animals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n [Jiang et al., 2015] showed that patients with major depressive disorder have significantly reduced microbial diversity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n According to the [Mayo Clinic], probiotics may be useful as an adjunct therapy for depression, although more research is needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Fecal microbiota analysis<\/strong> \u2014 allows you to determine the composition of the intestinal microbiota<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Inflammation marker (CRP, IL-6)<\/strong> \u2014 indicates the presence of systemic inflammation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Neurotransmitter profile (serotonin, dopamine)<\/strong> \u2014 determines the balance of mood hormones<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Assessment of psycho-emotional state through standardized questionnaires (PHQ-9, BDI)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Monitoring response to probiotic or prebiotic therapy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n People with chronic anxiety or depression<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Patients after a long course of antibiotics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Those who have intolerance to certain foods or frequent inflammatory processes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
What scientific research shows<\/h2>\n
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![\"Research](\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/145-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMethods of researching the relationship<\/h2>\n
Laboratory studies<\/h3>\n
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Clinical approaches<\/h3>\n
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How to maintain a healthy microbiome<\/h2>\n
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\n \nRecommendation<\/th>\n Explanation<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Consume products with probiotics<\/td>\n Natural yogurts, kefir, fermented vegetables help the growth of beneficial bacteria<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Avoid refined sugar<\/td>\n Nourishes pathogenic strains of microorganisms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Take prebiotics<\/td>\n Dietary fibers (inulin, beta-glucan) support the growth of normal flora<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Minimize antibiotics<\/td>\n Disrupt the microbiota, contributing to imbalance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sleep at least 7\u20138 hours<\/td>\n Sleep disruption affects the composition of the microbiota<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n For whom is this especially relevant?<\/h2>\n
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