Probiotics in Mental Health

The gut and brain are intricately linked, with terms such as heartache and gut wrenching representing key fundamental aspects of human experience. The relationship between the gut and brain is complex but fundamental to health and wellbeing. Uniquely within the field of mental health and psychiatry, the role of gut flora and probiotics in both the understanding and treatment of mental illness represents an emerging science. Probiotics in Mental Health examines the role of probiotics in a range of clinical presentations associated with significant psychopathology and advocates an approach characterized by understanding mental disorder within an evidence-based model and the pursuit of mental health and wellbeing through the most benign of interventions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The concept that the gut and brain are intricately linked is widely accepted not just within the lay community but increasingly within scientific and therapeutic circles as well. Terms such as heartache and gut wrenching are more than mere metaphor, they represent key fundamental aspects of human experience which all individuals will invariably endure from time to time. The relationship between the gut and brain is complex but fundamental to health and wellbeing. Increasing and compelling evidence supports the existence of a relationship between the health and status of the gut and the manifestation of significant psychopathology. Uniquely within the field of mental health and psychiatry, the role of gut flora and probiotics in both the understanding and treatment of mental illness represents an emerging science whether the potential for therapeutic intervention, through the use of probiotics, offers an opportunity to determine efficacy within a coherent evidence-based model of both action and pathology or, moreover, offers interventions that are comparatively benign compared to the side-effect profile associated with most drugs used to treat mental illness. Probiotics in Mental Health examines the role of probiotics in a range of clinical presentations associated with significant psychopathology and facilitates a reconsideration of how mental illness may be conceptualised within a coherent gut-brain model of health and wellbeing. Under the rubric of enhancing wellbeing rather than dwelling on illness and disease, this exciting new volume not only comprises the latest evidence in the field but also advocates an approach characterised by the understanding of mental disorder within an evidence-based model and the pursuit of mental health and wellbeing through the.

The gut-brain axis is a complex interplay between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system that has been the subject of increasing research in recent years. This relationship is thought to be critical for overall health and well-being, as the gut is home to a vast array of bacteria and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and immune function. The brain, on the other hand, is responsible for regulating emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Research has shown that the gut-brain axis is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including digestion, inflammation, and neurotransmitter regulation. For example, gut bacteria can produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important for mood regulation and emotional well-being. Additionally, gut bacteria can influence the immune system, which in turn can affect brain function and behavior. One area of research that has received particular attention in recent years is the role of probiotics in gut-brain health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to the health of the gut, and they have been shown to have a range of positive effects on mental health. For example, probiotics have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, and even reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Another area of research that is shedding light on the gut-brain axis is the role of diet in gut-brain health. The gut is home to a vast array of microorganisms that can be influenced by the foods we eat. For example, diets high in fiber and fermented foods have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while diets high in sugar and processed foods have been shown to promote the growth of harmful gut bacteria. In conclusion, the gut-brain axis is a critical component of overall health and well-being. Research has shown that the gut is home to a vast array of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and immune function, and that the brain is responsible for regulating emotions, thoughts, and behavior. The gut-brain axis is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including digestion, inflammation, and neurotransmitter regulation, and probiotics and diet can play a significant role in promoting gut-brain health. As our understanding of the gut-brain axis continues to evolve, it may be possible to develop new treatments and interventions for a range of mental health conditions.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367781156