Southeastern Integrative Health and Wellness

Pollution + Gut Bacteria = Depression?

More research is confirming a common observation that has been made by holistic doctors for many years, that gut health and mental health are connected. This Harvard study drills down a possible mechanism behind a gut bacteria that is already associated with depression - Morganella morganni.

What they found is that a common pollutant called diethanolamine can be used by this bacteria to create a molucule that causes inflammation and possibly subsequent depression.

Harvard scientists link gut bacteria to depression through hidden inflammation trigger A gut bacterium may be quietly fueling depression through an unexpected chemical twist. Researchers found that when Morganella morganii interacts with a common pollutant, it produces a molecule that triggers inflammation—something strongly linked to depression. This finding helps explain how gut m...