Mental Health and the Gut Microbiome

Abstract

In recent decades, mental illness and its complications have been on the rise. Many view this increase in mental illness as a consequence of modernization. Specifically, economic changes, urbanization, dietary changes, sedentary lifestyles, lack of adequate sunlight, and decreases in social support are all believed to contribute to this increase 1. Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the increased prevalence of mental illness as it is most likely a combination of many factors, recent evidence has suggested that the gut microbiome plays a key role in the development and sustainability of mental disorders through multiple mechanisms. Additionally, dietary changes that specifically target and cultivate beneficial microbial populations in the gut may be an effective way to treat and prevent mental illness. This literature review explores the evidence linking the gut microbiome to brain diseases and how changing one’s diet may help mitigate symptoms of mental disorders.