Gut Microbiome and Depression: How Microbes Affect the Way We Think

Abstract

The gut microbiome serves an important role in the human body. Reportedly, one of the benefits of these microflora is on mental health. Once established, food and other dietary sources that enhance quality microbiome content in our gastrointestinal system will be a significant consideration in individuals' day to day lives. This literature review conducted a PubMed search for studies about the gut microbiome and its relation to depression. In using several Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) keywords, relevant literature was selected. A total of 26 articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and after checking the articles' accessibility. This literature would like to establish the role of the gut microbiome in depression. This study's findings showed that there is a strong association of microbiome function to mental well-being.

Keywords: bacterial commensals; bacterial commensals and depression; depression; gastrointestinal microbiome; gastrointestinal microbiome and depression; gut microbiome; gut microbiome and mental health; gut microflora; intestinal microbiota; intestinal microbiota and depression.