A new study found that a healthy gut can lessen the effects of trauma, as reported by Science Daily. Researchers from Stellenbosch University analyzed the relationship of gut microbiome and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They compared the gut microbiomes of 18 individuals with PTSD to 12 people who also experienced trauma, but did not develop PSTD. They found a combination of three bacteria that were different in people who suffered from PTSD. These were Actinobacteria, Lentisphaerae, and Verrucomicrobia. (Related: Gut health linked to anxiety, depression and autism.)
Results showed that the participants with PTSD had smaller numbers of the three bacteria in contrast to the trauma-exposed participants. In addition, those who experienced trauma when they were a child had lesser levels of two out of the three bacteria, namely Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. These bacteria are known to regulate the immune system.