There are more bacterial cells in our body than there are human cells and we rely on these good bacteria to keep us healthy. The population of bacteria in the human body is called the human microbiome. Depending on the type of bacteria and their location, they all have different functions related to our health. For example, our gut microbiome contains a good species of E. coli which helps to digest our food and convert it into vitamins K and B12. Humans benefit from the variety of genes available in our microbiome, and the bacteria in the microbiome benefit by having a safe space to live. It is a symbiotic relationship between humans and our healthy microbiome.

The human microbiome can become “sick” when the balance of good bacteria is disrupted. The microbiome can become disrupted by antibiotics, acute or chronic illness, infection or inflammation. You might have heard of the good bacteria in probiotics and prebiotics. These can help to regenerate a healthy microbiome. When the good bacteria are in the majority of the population they take up all of the possible living space in the area (skin, gut, etc). This means that any harmful bacteria that passes through the gut or across your skin are unable to find a spot to live. They can’t take hold, there is no home for them and they pass through.

There are scientific studies that have discovered there are different types of bacteria in the guts of depressed and anxious people compared to those without depression and anxiety. Additionally, gut microbes are involved in serotonin production.

A few small studies have shown that taking probiotics can lead to a decrease in depression. However, these studies were too small to draw definite conclusions on the link between probiotics and depression.

Essential oils extracted from herbs such as parsley, rosemary and thyme, have an impact on gut microbes and can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Essential oils have a prebiotic effect in mice and pigs. It is often noted that pigs have an immune system that is more similar to that in humans so these studies have been used to explain the way essential oils may affect humans.

Gut bactiera has been linked to personality traits and our actions but more research is required to better understand this connection.

Overall, the small studies in humans and animals haven’t yet fully revealed how our gut bacteria affect our mental health. But we do know that the bad bacteria love processed foods and foods high in sugar, so be aware of the food you eat to improve your health.

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