Human Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Neural Activity: Effects of Probiotics on Mental and GI Health

David Tomasi (1) , Sophia Webb (2)
(1) University of Vermont Integrative Health, College of Nursing and Health Science, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; University of Vermont Continuing and Distance Education, UVM Healthcare Programs; University of Vermont Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Leadership & Developmental Sciences; University of Vermont Medical Center, Inpatient Psychiatry; Community College of Vermont , United States
(2) UMass Medical School - Graduate School of Nursing, Worcester, MA, USA , United States

Abstract

This review examines the general parameters of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, with special emphasis on a clinical-medical perspective and anthropological research foci. In particular, the authors focused on the observed vs. non-observed (observable) effects of psychobiotics on psychiatric conditions, as well as IBD and IBS comorbidities with psychiatric conditions; the latter was examined within the context of utilizing dietary changes to influence individuals’ microbiomes and to ameliorate GI and mental health. Despite some fascinating observations seen in preclinical animal models and promising outcomes observed in several clinical studies of probiotic supplementation on humans with psychiatric as well as GI conditions, this area of research warrants further scientific examination. This research is particularly important in order to provide scientific evidence supporting the use of probiotics (exclusively or as an adjunct treatment) for psychiatric and/or GI conditions in clinical settings. An important consideration in this sense is the need for standardized experimental methods, which can help guide evidence-based recommendations such as differences in dosing, timing, and duration of supplementation, as well as help elucidate genetic predispositions and potential dietary-pharmacological interactions. Such research methods would allow for a better understanding of the processes and mechanisms probiotics induce and/or cause within the context of human physiology.

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Authors

David Tomasi
David.Tomasi@uvm.edu (Primary Contact)
Sophia Webb
Author Biography

David Tomasi, University of Vermont Integrative Health, College of Nursing and Health Science, Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science; University of Vermont Continuing and Distance Education, UVM Healthcare Programs; University of Vermont Human Development and Family Studies Program, Department of Leadership & Developmental Sciences; University of Vermont Medical Center, Inpatient Psychiatry; Community College of Vermont

David LĂĄg Tomasi, PhD, EdD-PhD, MA, MCS, AAT

University of Vermont
Integrative Health
College of Nursing and Health Science
Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science

University of Vermont
Continuing and Distance Education
UVM Healthcare Programs
 
University of Vermont
Human Development and Family Studies Program  
Department of Leadership & Developmental Sciences
 
University of Vermont Medical Center
Licensed Psychologist-Doctorate
Inpatient Psychiatry Psychotherapist / Group Therapist

University of Vermont
UVM Integrative Health
CNHS - 310N Rowell Building
Burlington, Vermont 05401 -USA
david.tomasi@uvm.edu

Tomasi, D., & Webb, S. (2020). Human Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Neural Activity: Effects of Probiotics on Mental and GI Health. Jour Med Resh and Health Sci, 3(9), 1070–1077. https://doi.org/10.15520/jmrhs.v3i9.244
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