Gut Bacteria May Rule Our Food Cravings and Choices by Influencing Our Minds

It turns out that the gut bacteria within our bodies may just influence our cravings and moods when it comes to food. Scientists have discovered that different gut bacteria can impact human eating behavior and could even drive us toward obesity.

Bacterial species vary in the nutrients they need. For example, some prefer fat while others like sugar. They also come with very different aims than we do when it comes to our own actions.

"Bacteria within the gut are manipulative," said Carlo Maley, one of the researchers, in a news release. "There is a diversity of interests represented in the microbiome, some aligned with our own dietary goals, and others not."

The researchers aren't exactly sure how this occurs, but it's clear that the diverse community of microbes within our guts, collectively known as the gut microbiome, may influence our decisions by releasing signaling molecules into our gut. Because our gut is linked to our immune system, the endocrine system and the nervous system, these signals can influence our physiologic and behavioral responses.

"Microbes have the capacity to manipulate behavior and mood through altering the neural signals in the vagus nerve, changing taste receptors, producing toxins to make us feel bad and releasing chemical rewards to make us feel good," said Athena Aktipis, one of the researchers.

In fact, scientists have found that drinking a probiotic containing Lactobacillus casei, a bacteria, can improve mood in those who are feeling the lowest. This means that our gut microbiome has a lot to do with what we eat and how we feel. That said, this also means there may be a way to combat obesity.

"Because microbiota are easily manipulatable by prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, fecal transplants and dietary changes, altering our microbiota offers a tractable approach to otherwise intractable problems of obesity and unhealthy eating," the authors write.

The findings are published in the journal BioEssays.