By Adrienne Dellwo, About.com Guide September 7, 2011
Research Brief
New research demonstrates that bacteria in the digestive tract can
have a direct influence on neurotransmitter function in the brain.
This is what scientists call the brain-gut connection, but it's
something they don't yet understand well.
Researchers say the bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus, when fed to
mice, altered receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, which calms the
brain. GABA dysregulation is implicated indepression, anxiety and
irritable bowel syndrome, as noted in the study, and also in
fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
The mice in the study showed lower anxiety levels when put in
situation that normally cause them to show signs of stress.
Researchers believe the vagus nerve was responsible for the changes in
the brain. A known function of this nerve is carrying signals from the
internal organs to the brain. (Read more about the vagus nerve and a
possible fibromyalgia treatment.)
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a probiotic bacteria that's believed to be
good for your overall health. It's available as a supplement and also
in some dairy products, especially yogurt (not all yogurt, though --
check the label.)
This bacterium is also being studied as a treatment for yeast
infection, which is a common problem in people with fibromyalgia and
chronic fatigue syndrome.
Further information can be found here:
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2011/09/07/the-brain-gut-connection-in-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm
and here: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/08/26/1102999108
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