Influence of the Microbiome on Decision-Making

The trillions of microorganisms residing in the human gut significantly affect individual decisions and behavior. Research highlights that these microbiota can influence emotions, cravings, and potentially even aspects of personality. For instance, studies involving mice show that those raised in sterile conditions, lacking gut bacteria, display less curiosity and slower learning compared to their microbe-colonized counterparts. This illustrates that microbial health can shape psychological and behavioral traits, prompting a reevaluation of the concept of free will in the context of our biological makeup.