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Mood by Microbe

Dispatches from the Psychobiotic Revolution

Depression
Sweeteners and the Gut–Brain Axis

Scott C. Anderson on September 15, 2022

We know about the dangers of sugar, but artificial sweeteners may also affect our health and our mood via gut microbes.

We know about the dangers of sugar, but artificial sweeteners may also affect our health and our mood via gut microbes.

SSRIs
The Serotonin Hypothesis and the Gut-Brain Axis

Scott C. Anderson on August 3, 2022

SSRIs are coming in for criticism lately, but the situation is more complicated than it first looks—and it involves gut microbes.

SSRIs are coming in for criticism lately, but the situation is more complicated than it first looks—and it involves gut microbes.

Diet
The Microbial Heroes of the Gut-Brain Axis

Scott C. Anderson on July 18, 2022

There are thousands of bacterial species living in your gut, but two genera have special psychoactive properties. Learn how to boost their numbers in your diet.

There are thousands of bacterial species living in your gut, but two genera have special psychoactive properties. Learn how to boost their numbers in your diet.

Genetics
Say Hello to the Human Virome

Scott C. Anderson on June 13, 2022

Viruses are the most populous creatures living in your gut, but we know shockingly little about them—even though they can affect your mood and cognition.

Viruses are the most populous creatures living in your gut, but we know shockingly little about them—even though they can affect your mood and cognition.

Diet
What Is the Diversity Diet?

Scott C. Anderson on May 29, 2022

Your gut microbiota is an ecosystem that works best when it is rich in diverse microbes. Learn how to support a healthy gut with a diversity diet.

Your gut microbiota is an ecosystem that works best when it is rich in diverse microbes. Learn how to support a healthy gut with a diversity diet.

Diet
What’s Wrong with the Keto Diet, and How to Fix It

Scott C. Anderson on April 27, 2022

The keto diet may help with epilepsy and metabolic syndrome, but it can also affect mood and cognition. Learn how to fix the potential problems of the diet.

The keto diet may help with epilepsy and metabolic syndrome, but it can also affect mood and cognition. Learn how to fix the potential problems of the diet.

Genetics
Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?

Scott C. Anderson on March 29, 2022

Genes can contribute to obesity, but, surprisingly, most of our genes come from our gut bacteria—and those we can control.

Genes can contribute to obesity, but, surprisingly, most of our genes come from our gut bacteria—and those we can control.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Gut Microbes May Help Fight Long COVID

Scott C. Anderson on February 22, 2022

Research shows that our gut microbes are able to kill viruses, which might lessen symptoms of COVID and its aftermath. Better yet, you can help with this process.

Research shows that our gut microbes are able to kill viruses, which might lessen symptoms of COVID and its aftermath. Better yet, you can help with this process.

Depression
Psychobiotics Get Real: A Case Study

Scott C. Anderson on January 19, 2022

Psychobiotics are a class of probiotics and prebiotics that can improve mood and cognition. They are here, and they are working for some psychiatric patients.

Psychobiotics are a class of probiotics and prebiotics that can improve mood and cognition. They are here, and they are working for some psychiatric patients.

Trust
Can We Trust Mouse Studies?

Scott C. Anderson on October 28, 2021

When it comes to the psyche, are we crazy to trust animal studies? What can a mere mouse tell us about our highly-esteemed human brain? A lot, it turns out...

When it comes to the psyche, are we crazy to trust animal studies? What can a mere mouse tell us about our highly-esteemed human brain? A lot, it turns out...

Oxytocin
Do Microbes Make Us Social?

Scott C. Anderson on September 20, 2021

Whether you are sick at home or ready to party, your microbiota plays a surprising role in your social life. Thankfully, you have some control over the situation.

Whether you are sick at home or ready to party, your microbiota plays a surprising role in your social life. Thankfully, you have some control over the situation.

Diet
Junk Food Is Delicious, Decadent—and Depressing

Scott C. Anderson on July 26, 2021

Junk food is so tasty that we may give up on real, farm-raised food. But processing throws away nutrients and fiber, which can have disastrous effects on your health.

Junk food is so tasty that we may give up on real, farm-raised food. But processing throws away nutrients and fiber, which can have disastrous effects on your health.

Diet
How to Feed Your Brain

Scott C. Anderson on June 29, 2021

A new book by two prominent psychology researchers shows you how to eat your way to a better brain.

A new book by two prominent psychology researchers shows you how to eat your way to a better brain.