‘Microbiome’ plays an important role in shaping the behavior of various organisms including humans.

Microbes are an integral part of most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. In fact, these organisms are like this because of the tiny microbes present inside and on them. These microbes form the microbiome. The weight of microorganisms in the human body is about 2.5 to three kilograms, while in larger animals it is even more. These microbiomes were previously called “invisible organs,” but with the advent of modern molecular imaging technologies this unique part of the body has become visible. In my book ‘Microbiomes and Their Functions’, I explore how the microbiome works together with other visible organs and is linked to various physiological functions essential for the body’s growth and survival.

The ‘microbiome’ has been part of the bodies of all living organisms since the beginning, and has co-evolved with their visible organs. The digestive system is a good example of how the microbiome can shape organs. The characteristics of the digestive system differ markedly in carnivores, omnivores or herbivores. Herbivores have the longest digestive system and carnivores have the shortest. -Microbiome- The majority of the microbiome is found in the digestive system, where it helps extract nutrients from our diet. The diverse microbes that make up the microbiome not only contribute to good digestion, but also help improve our immune system, and produce hormones and neurotransmitters that have profound effects on our behavior.

Molecules produced by the microbiome play an important role in the body’s non-verbal communication. These microbiomes can trigger a variety of responses, including hunger, thirst, mood swings, and social behavior. The information network between the gut microbiome and the brain is facilitated by the vagus nerve, which connects these two organs. Gut microbiomes such as ‘Lactobacillus’ and ‘Bifidobacterium’ produce ‘neurotransmitters’ known to influence human behavior such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), ‘acetylcholine’, ‘norepinephrine’, ‘oxytocin’ and ‘indole metabolites’ ‘ secrete. ‘Indole derivatives’ are obtained when gut microbes metabolize the essential amino acid ‘tryptophan’.

For example, the ‘neurotransmitter dopamine’ is considered a feel-good hormone and is often associated with positive emotions. However, low levels of this molecule cause anxious feelings. On the other hand, ‘indoles’ are associated with thirst, resulting in a tendency to eat less and is associated with weight loss. -Smell signals- Despite their invisible nature, microbiomes often make their presence known by emitting sounds and odors. These can be powerful signals, which can influence behavior.

These scent signals may indicate happiness, excitement, anxiety, attraction, fear, or aggression. These scents are an important means by which most organisms, including humans, send non-verbal messages. Human skin contains different types of microorganisms, which emit different types of odors. Bacteria such as ‘Staphylococcus’ and ‘Corynebacterium’ live in warm and moist areas of the skin where ‘apocrine glands’, a source of chemicals, are abundant. These bacteria use these chemical nutrients to shape body odor.

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