Can we eat our way to happiness? As humans, our skin, mouths and intestines are teeming with complex microbes, some of which are older than mankind itself. Some think they could hold the key to contentment.
‘Gut bacteria could change who you are’
Mood food: The gut microbiome influences a wide range of bodily functions, including mood, through something called the gut-brain axis. Glossary
Exuberant - Full of energy, excitement, or cheerfulness; lively and enthusiastic.
Faecal - Relating to or consisting of faeces (poo).
Neurological - Relating to the nerves and nervous system.
Modulate - To vary the tone or volume of something, like a voice, or to alter a process to fit a particular situation.
Neurons - Neurons, also known as nerve cells, are cells in the nervous system that use chemical or electrical signals to transmit information throughout the body.
Serotonin - A chemical messenger believed to boost people's mood.
Ultra-Processed Foods - Industrial formulations of ingredients, often with additives like emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial flavours, that are difficult to make at home, yet sold as food.