Mental Health and the Microbiome: A Review of Psychological Impacts of Gut Microflora

Starting from scratch to understand what a microbiome is and its significance in our daily lives has become a crucial subject of study. This review aims to delve into the impact of diet on the gut microbiota and how alterations in the gut microflora can contribute to dysbiosis, anxiety, depression, and other neurological disorders. Over the past one decade, extensive research has been conducted to explore the role of the gut microbiome in mental health and its potential involvement in causing mental illnesses. Some studies have made hypotheses about how gut microbes can influence both psychological and neurological aspects. One primary area of investigation has been the impact of diet on shaping the composition of the gut microbiota and whether it can affect brain function or even play a role in the prevention or management of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. These conditions and neurological diseases have garnered significant attention from the scientific community due to their growing burden on the field of medical science. While many studies on the gut-brain axis (GBA) have traditionally focused on aspects like satiety and digestive processes, it is important to recognize that the gut microbiota constitutes a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a vital role in the overall functioning of the human body. Consequently, it exerts a profound influence on an individual's health and their susceptibility to various illnesses.