Brain Ponderings podcast with Mark Mattson

John Cryan: Gut Microbiome – Brain Communication in Health and Disease

May 7, 2024

Professor John Cryan discusses gut microbiome-brain communication in health and disease, emphasizing the impacts of diet, lifestyle, and gut bacteria on brain health. The podcast explores the mechanisms of microbial influence on the brain involving the vagus nerve and bacterial chemicals. Topics include optimizing gut bacterial composition for lifelong brain health, treatment of neurological disorders, and the importance of fermented foods and fiber.

01:00:42

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Episode guests

John Cryan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Gut microbiome influences brain function in mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Micobiome consists of diverse microorganisms impacting metabolic processes and overall well-being.

Evolutionary history shows significance of gut microbes in shaping human health and biological functions.

Deep dives

The Importance of the Gut Microbiome in Brain Function

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in brain function and affects various aspects of mental health. Research highlights the connection between the gut microbiome and brain-related conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and stress responses. Studies reveal that the composition of the microbiome can impact brain processes, neurotransmitter activity, and stress regulation.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Complexities of the Microbiome and its Impact on Health

16min

Exploring the Nuances of Gut Bacteria and Probiotics in Health

5min

Precision Selection of Probiotics and Fertilizer Role of Prebiotics in Gut Microbiome

5min

The Gut Microbiome's Impact on Brain Health

23min

Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis and Interconnected Biological Systems

8min

Transition from Industry to Independent Research and Impact of Collaboration

2min

Bacteria in the gut play essential roles in the metabolism of dietary nutrients. But a recent explosion of research has revealed influences of microbes in the gut on brain function in health and in anxiety disorders, depression, and possibly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Professor John Cryan at University College in Cork Ireland is at the forefront of this research. In this episode I talk with John about how diet and lifestyle affect the gut microbiome and the mechanisms by which these microbes can affect brain health. Those mechanisms include roles for the vagus nerve and chemicals produced by gut bacteria that travel through the blood and into the brain. We also discuss translational research aimed at optimizing the gut bacterial composition in ways that promote lifelong brain health or for the treatment of neurological disorders.

LINKS:

Professor Cryan’s webpage: https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/people/johncryan/

Book ‘The Psychobiotic Revolution’: https://www.amazon.com/Psychobiotic-Revolution-Science-Gut-Brain-Connection/dp/142621846X

Review articles:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959438822001465?via%3Dihub

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8321864/pdf/nmaa181.pdf

https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1550-4131%2820%2930067-X

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Brain Ponderings podcast with Mark Mattson

John Cryan: Gut Microbiome – Brain Communication in Health and Disease

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of the Gut Microbiome in Brain Function

Understanding the Complexity of the Microbiome

Evolutionary Perspective on Microbial Influence

Impact of Microbiome on Social Behavior and Brain Development

Future Directions in Microbiome Research and Health Interventions

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts