The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with peripheral intestinal functions. Both neural and hormonal routes of communication allow the brain to influence intestinal activities, including activity of functional effectorRead
Intestinal epithelial barrier integrity has a great deal to do with how we feel: both physically and mentally. The concept is a relatively simple one, although the mechanisms are complex. A single layer of epithelial cells functions as a physical barrier between the intestinal lumen, the lamina propria, and theRead
Love Your Happy Place The human microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others. The vast majority, around 70%, of these microbes reside in the gut and are vital to immune and metabolic health. The gut microbiota also affects your cognitive function and mood throughRead
There is a new link between the gut-brain axis — and it appears to fuel our desire for fatty foods. In a new study published in Nature, scientists at Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute discovered that fat entering the intestines of mice triggers a signal. This signal — conducted along nerves to theRead
Supporting the behavioral, emotional, and physical demands of children on the neurodiverse spectrum requires a multifaceted approach which can sometimes feel overwhelming for parents or caregivers. One easy and impactful place to start is with their daily nutrition. Helping children make healthy choices throughout the day goes a long wayRead
Most young children go through food jags — periods of picky eating where they will only eat one food or a small selection of foods for days or weeks at a time. This is a normal and usually short-lived behavior in children as they learn to exert their independence. PickyRead
The phrase ‘mood foods’ is taking on a whole new meaning. When it comes to warding off depression and anxiety, it might not be what you eat so much as when you eat it. A new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham healthcareRead
If any of your patients are taking antidepressants, make sure they are also supplementing with probiotics daily. According to a study in Translational Psychiatry, probiotic “add-on” therapy helps decrease depression among men and women on prescription antidepressants. Study Details & Highlights For the 31-day study, performed on inpatients at the UniversityRead
This three-part videos by Jane Foster, PhD, author, professor and leading expert in the microbiome, walks listeners through her research on mood and microbes and how this affects the gut-brain axis. In these three 15-minute videos, you will learn: What do we know about the microbiome? How do microbes communicateRead
Popular contributors Scot Bay, MD and Jane Foster, PhD are back with a ready-watch webinar on animal science and clinical research that explains the gut-brain axis and how specific probiotic strains can positively support mood and mental health. Dr. Bay will elaborate on his case studies using probiotic formulas asRead
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