Advancing Mental Health: Exploring the Gut-Brain-Microbiome Axis

Emerging research on the gut-brain-microbiome axis is reshaping our understanding of mental health by revealing the complex biochemical and physiological interactions between the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and gut microbiota. This presentation will delve into the bidirectional communication pathways—neural, immune, and endocrine—that mediate the influence of gut microbiota on brain function, mood regulation, and the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.

We will explore how external factors, including dietary composition, psychosocial stress, and antibiotic exposure, disrupt the gut microbial ecosystem, contributing to neuroinflammation, altered neurotransmitter synthesis, and impaired neuroplasticity—key mechanisms underlying mental health pathology. The presentation will also discuss the latest clinical findings supporting interventions aimed at restoring gut microbiome balance, including targeted dietary protocols, probiotic and prebiotic therapies, and stress-modulating lifestyle modifications.

In line with naturopathic medicine’s whole-person, integrative approach, this session will highlight how modulating the gut microbiome represents a promising frontier in the treatment of mental health disorders. Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing these microbiome-targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes, offering innovative, personalized strategies that enhance mental health resilience and overall well-being.

More information available here: AANP CONVENTION 2025