The new findings, published in the journal BioEssays, based on a review and analysis of numerous studies in recent years. Researchers from several universities in the United States have participated in the work.
Their conclusion: Some magbakterier control our cravings for certain nutrients that bacteria feed on. They get us to eat more of these than we need. In this way they benefit in the fight for space in our mind.
Manipulative microbes
That their existence can be tough is safe. Huge amounts of bacteria in our digestive system. The various species are fighting hard to retain their niches in the ecosystem. Those who have the ability to trick the host organisms, in this case, we humans, have a clear advantage.
It all sounds like the script of a horror movie, or a science fiction novel. It may seem unreasonable that we would be guided by the single-celled organisms without brains.
The researchers, however, confident of their case and argue that a large number of microbes in the stomach area has a manipulative ability.
Produces sweet cravings
How do bacteria behave is unclear, but scientists suspect that the effect is caused by signal molecules that microbes produce and release in our abdominal area. The molecules then reach our neurons where they influence our behavior.
A key role is played by the so-called vagus nerve that connects millions of neurons in the brain. By acting through the vagus nerve, the bacteria can cause hunger pangs or cravings for certain nutrients.
This all sounds gloomy. But completely helpless, we are not. By fighting the urge, we can starve the troublesome microbes. If we have the energy to resist their signaling molecules, we give active support to their competitors, other microbes whose goals are more compatible with our own.
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