Your gut speaks...your brain listens

Abstract

The relation between digestive health and overall wellbeing has been known since ancient times. Hippocrates, the founding father of medicine, claimed that "all disease begins in the gut" and that "death resides in the intestines". This connection has recently been supported by scientific advances, and thus, revealing the fundamental role of gut microbiota: a community of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms not only help digestion and nutrient absorption but also regulate various systems and act as a protective barrier against pathogens and are actively involved with the brain. When this community becomes unbalanced, it can trigger a range of gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, including mental disorders and neurological conditions, which are mediated through the gut-brain axis. Nowadays, the gut-brain axis has been described as a complex bidirectional communication between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system, affecting mental health and contributing to the development of disorders such as anxiety and depression. The gut microbiota (GM) participates in the communication through the production of bioactive compounds that exert effects on both the gut and the brain, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance to promote overall wellbeing.