Postbiotics And The Gut-Brain Axis: A Mechanistic Review On Modulating Neuroinflammation And Cognitive Aging
As we age, our brains can become more susceptible to inflammation and a decline in cognitive abilities, impacting memory and thinking. Emerging research highlights a fascinating connection between our gut and our brain, known as the “gut-brain axis.” This two-way communication pathway means that the health of our gut can significantly influence the health of our brain. When the balance of bacteria in our gut is disrupted, a condition called gut dysbiosis, it can contribute to brain inflammation and neurodegeneration, which is the progressive loss of brain cells.
This is where “postbiotics” come into play. Unlike probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, postbiotics are the stable, health-promoting compounds produced by these bacteria. Think of them as the beneficial byproducts that offer many of the same advantages without needing to introduce live organisms. This makes them potentially safer and more precise in their actions, as they are less prone to degradation and easier to standardize.
Studies suggest that these postbiotics can work wonders by preserving the integrity of our gut lining, which prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain. They also actively suppress inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain, and protect brain cells from damage. By modulating the gut-brain axis, postbiotics can help improve cognitive functions, reduce the accumulation of harmful proteins like amyloid and tau often associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, and even alleviate symptoms of depression by influencing brain chemistry and promoting the growth of new brain connections. This exciting area of research points towards a future where these microbial-derived compounds could offer new strategies for maintaining brain health and combating age-related cognitive decline.
Source: link to paper