Scientists have understood before that the mucus found in the gut is the body’s first line of defense against bacteria that attempt to attack the said part of the body. Now, scientists have discovered yet another feature of the gut mucus — it might also be the key towards therapeutic options for neurological disorders.
Bacterial imbalance in the gut is linked with Alzheimer's disease, autism and other brain disorders, yet the exact causes are unclear.
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.
"It's a new gut-brain connection that opens up fresh avenues for scientists to explore, as we search for ways to better treat disorders of the brain by targeting our 'second brain' -- the gut."
More details about this over at Science Daily.
(Image Credit: Pixel_perfect/ Pixabay)
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So eating kimchee is now more important than brushing your teeth towards preventing Alzheimer's?
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