How Nutrients in Western and Mediterranean Diets Affect the Gut Microbiome and Brain Communication

Neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders may be more prevalent in patients with gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

• Patients with gastrointestinal tract diseases often show higher rates of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
• Conversely, individuals with depression frequently experience increased gastrointestinal disorders.
• These findings suggest a bidirectional communication pathway between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, known as the 'gut-brain axis'.
• Altered gut microbiota, referred to as 'dysbiosis', has been associated with these conditions, indicating a link between gut microbes and their host.
• Diet plays a significant role in influencing the gut microbiota, potentially affecting systemic mechanisms through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

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