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Biology

Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis Influence on Mood and Cognition

Quick fact

The gut contains about 100 trillion bacteria, and they can produce many of the same neurotransmitters that regulate mood, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. In fact, around 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, partly by microbes.

Why this is interesting

You've probably felt butterflies in your stomach when nervous—but did you know that the bacteria living in your gut might be shaping your mood and thoughts? What if your 'gut feeling' is actually microbial communication?