As humans, we heavily depend on our five senses. These senses help us process the world around us by sending a variety of signals for our brains to interpret, whether that be our favorite ice cream flavor or the sudden sting of a cold breeze.
Now, scientists have discovered what they are calling our “sixth sense”: the ability for our gut microbes to communicate with our brain in real time. Published in Nature, this breakthrough study outlines how there is a direct line of communication between the gut and the brain, and changes what we thought we knew about this important partnership at work inside our bodies.
The connection between our gut microbiome and our brain is nothing new. Often referred to as the gut-brain axis, this collection of nerve pathways constantly sends signals back and forth that can inform our metabolism, gastrointestinal issues, and even our mental health.
For ...
