Microbes: How do they affect our…social life?

Would you ever believe, if somebody told you, that the microbes you have in your gut are responsible for making you such a party animal? It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Yet, scientists have found that the microbes we have in our body can greatly affect our brain and our social behavior. Of course, they are not the only influence but they play a significant role. Why is this happening? The explanation is very simple. All types of creatures that maximize their cooperation will enjoy advantages in terms of their evolution. The microbes that can enhance cooperative behavior will extend their “territory”.

Sociability affects the microbiome

It has long been known that sociability affects the microbiome of any organism which is the set of microorganisms that ”inhabit” it. For example, even if a couple is not married, a single kiss can carry 8 million bacteria per second. Sociability also affects children. Children go to a party where one of them blows out the candles on a cake that they will all eat later. Preschool children attend kindergarten where they freely exchange large amounts of mucus and germs.

The microbiome affects sociability

A recent study revealed that the opposite is also true. Mice born without germs are antisocial and the part of their brain called the amygdala (responsible for instinctual functions such as emotions) develops differently. But when they were given probiotic germs they began to function like normal mice. This means that the normal development of the brain depends on a healthy microbiome! The hypothalamus then produces oxytocin which also encourages the production of dopamine. These are two neurochemicals produced during social interactions. Now, see reality as a germ! To expand their territory, they can push us to socialize more. What could be a better way to do that than kisses, handshakes or hugs? These behaviors seem to have been specifically designed to transmit germs and microbes!

How to have a healthy microbiome

Today because of covid we can’t socialise as much as we can. However, if you want to have a healthy microbiome you can do a lot of other things.  Like eat a variety of fruits and vegetables especially those that are rich in fiber such as artichokes, beans, onions and berries. Intestinal germs love fiber and in return will produce fatty acids that will nourish the inside of the gut. Also, consume fermentation products such as yogurt or kefir. Finally, exercise which ultimately helps everywhere! Exercise affects the production of bile acids in the liver, which are consumed by gut microbes. These in turn produce “secondary” bile acids, which kill pathogens and are consumed by beneficial microbes, spreading diversity! Giota Florou source: psychologytoday.com Recent Articles