Could Gut Mucus Help Protect Against Brain Disorders?

Bacterial imbalance in the gut is linked with Alzheimer’s disease, autism and other brain disorders, yet the exact causes are unclear. Now a new research review of 113 neurological, gut and microbiology studies led by RMIT University suggests a common thread – changes in gut mucus. Senior author Associate Professor Elisa Hill-Yardin said these changes could be contributing to bacterial imbalance and exacerbating the core symptoms of neurological diseases. “Mucus is a critical protective layer that helps balance good and bad bacteria in your gut but you need just the right amount - not too little and not too much,” Hill-Yardin said. “Researchers have previously shown that changes to intestinal mucus affect the balance of bacteria in the gut but until now, no-one has made the connection between gut mucus and the brain. “Our review reveals that people with autism, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis have different types of bacteria in their gut mucus compared with healthy people, and different amounts of good and bad bacteria. https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/could-gut-mucus-help-protect-against-brain-disorders-335550?utm_campaign=NEWSLETTER_TN_Breaking%20Science%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=88836791&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--tAOgSnoOK4RUQu_b5xVcDqBdvcQ_SfTnw1t5qIpbqqqUF2-1bCVU5IDsocIYAj4TGNo6CbQaCi2j-8H-QCAOKO7HjPg&utm_content=88836791&utm_source=hs_email