The Gut Microbiome and Mental Health

Date: November 9th, 2017

There are well over 1,000 species that inhibit the GI tract, and new advances in metagenomics are allowing us to understand more about what about the activities of our microbiomes. In this presentation, Ruth Harvie, a PhD student at the University of Otago (New Zealand), explains what the microbiome is, what it does, and its role in mediating the effect of food on the gut-brain axis. Research has shown how microbiomes may affect the mind/ mental health. She also covers the role of the microbiome in nutrient metabolism and present challenges of researching the diet, microbiome and mental health relationship.

About the presenter:

Ruth Harvie (Registered Dietitian/ PhD Student) is a mid-career dietitian who wants to be involved in integrating clinical dietetic practice and research. Her particular interest is the interaction between dietary intake and the gastrointestinal microbiome. She wishes to translate what we’re learning about the gastrointestinal microbiome and diet into practical personalised nutrition interventions for her future patients.