Antibiotics strong enough to kill off gut bacteria can also stop the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a section of the brain associated with memory, reports a study in mice published May 19 in
Cell Reports. Researchers also uncovered a clue to why--
a type of white blood cell seems to act as a communicator between the brain, the immune system, and the gut."We found prolonged antibiotic treatment might impact brain function," says senior author Susanne Asu Wolf of the Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany.
"But probiotics and exercise can balance brain plasticity and should be considered as a real treatment option."Wolf first saw clues that the immune system could influence the health and growth of brain cells through research into T cells nearly 10 years ago. But there were few studies that found a link from the brain to the immune system and back to the gut.
In the new study, the researchers gave a group of mice enough antibiotics for them to become nearly free of intestinal microbes. Compared to untreated mice,
the mice who lost their healthy gut bacteria performed worse in memory tests and showed a loss of neurogenesis (new brain cells) in a section of their hippocampus that typically produces new brain cells throughout an individual's lifetime. At the same time that the mice experienced memory and neurogenesis loss, the research team detected a lower level of white blood cells (specifically monocytes) marked with Ly6Chi in the brain, blood, and bone marrow. So researchers tested whether it was indeed the Ly6Chi monocytes behind the changes in neurogenesis and memory.
Comment: Both your physical and mental health are deeply influenced by the health of your gut and its microbes. Your gut microbes affect your overall brain function, from basic mood swings to the development of serious illnesses like autism, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia.
Keep moving: Exercise not only helps avoid brain shrinkage but increases cognitive abilitiesPhysical activity produces biochemical changes that strengthen and renew the brain areas associated with memory and learning. Exercise helps protect and improve brain function by
improving and increasing blood flow to the brain, increasing production of nerve-protecting compounds, improving development and survival of neurons and
reducing damaging plaques in your brain. It's never too late to start as your brain is capable of rejuvenating and regenerating itself throughout your life.
Comment: More on cell phone hazards: